Quality Care Your Child Deserves
In an Environment You Can Trust
Our Children's Center offers state of the art preschool and childcare In a safe and nurturing environment.
Children Develop Physically
Thrive Intellectually
Experience Security
We believe all children have a right to receive quality preschool and childcare in a safe and nurturing environment.
At the YWCA Children’s Center, we are committed to the social, physical, mental and emotional development of each child.
Learn through hands-on environments and playful age-appropriate activities
Acquire desirable habits and develop self-confidence
Use their imagination develop resourcefulness and originality
Develop self-worth and feel secure and loved through positive reinforcement
A Little Bit About Our History
1943 – The YWCA became quite vocal in favoring Aid to Dependent Children. At approximately this time, a nursery was opened so that children of working mothers would receive adequate care.
1956 – 42 children were enrolled in the nursery which provided child care five mornings a week and on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. The nursery was closed in
1964 as it was a financial liability.
1967 – The Head Start Program began in conjunction with Clinton Community College. In 1968, 42 children were enrolled, with an extensive waiting list.
1977 – The YWCA Play and Learn Center began in August 1977. The center was licensed and certified to care for 35 children. The center has continued to grow and expansion has included infant care and preschool programs. New spaces constructed in 2002 as well as space in the historic building, are now part of the YWCA Children’s Center.
The YWCA Children’s Center serves the community by providing high-quality preschool and childcare programs where children are encouraged and given opportunities to develop physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually in a safe, loving environment.
We are proud of our State of Iowa Quality Rating System ratings at both our centers, some of the highest in the area — reflecting our commitment to the highest quality childcare! That means the teachers and staff here have undergone additional training beyond what is already required by DHS Iowa to ensure that care, instruction and the learning environment of the YWCA Children’s Center are all designed to ensure the children entrusted to our care thrive!
Click HERE to find out what our QRS score means for your child’s care! *The state of Iowa is in the process of transitioning QRS to IQ4K.
Children's Center


Welcome to the YWCA Children's Center
At the YWCA Children’s Center, we believe all children have a right to receive quality preschool and childcare in a safe and nurturing environment. At the YWCA Children’s Center, we are committed to the social, physical, mental and emotional development of each child.
We help your child:
- Learn through hands-on environments and playful age-appropriate activities
- Acquire desirable habits and wholesome attitudes; developing self-confidence
- Think constructively; use imagination and develop resourcefulness and originality
- Develop self-worth and feel secure and loved through positive reinforcement
The YWCA Children’s Center has some of the highest quality rating system scores in the area!
The YWCA Children’s Center serves the community by providing high-quality preschool and childcare programs where children are encouraged and given opportunities to develop physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually in a safe, loving environment.
We are proud of our State of Iowa Quality Rating System ratings at both our centers, some of the highest in the area — reflecting our commitment to the highest quality childcare! That means the teachers and staff here have undergone additional training beyond what is already required by DHS Iowa to ensure that care, instruction and the learning environment of the YWCA Children’s Center are all designed to ensure the children entrusted to our care thrive!
Click HERE to find out what our QRS score means for your child’s care! *The state of Iowa is in the process of transitioning QRS to IQ4K.
Our History...
1943 – The YWCA became quite vocal in favoring Aid to Dependent Children. At approximately this time, a nursery was opened so that children of working mothers would receive adequate care.
1956 – 42 children were enrolled in the nursery which provided child care five mornings a week and on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. The nursery was closed in
1964 as it was a financial liability.
1967 – The Head Start Program began in conjunction with Clinton Community College. In 1968, 42 children were enrolled, with an extensive waiting list.
1977 – The YWCA Play and Learn Center began in August 1977. The center was licensed and certified to care for 35 children. The center has continued to grow and expansion has included infant care and preschool programs. New spaces constructed in 2002 as well as space in the historic building, are now part of the YWCA Children’s Center.
TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!
DOWNTOWN: 317 7TH AVE SOUTH
LYONS: 250 20TH AVE NORTH


Childcare Options
Extended-Care Childcare
Extended-Care childcare is available for children ages 6 weeks to 11 years old at our Downtown Children’s Center location. We are proud to be the only licensed childcare center in the area offering extended care. *Currently offered until 9pm.
Preschool Programming is included for all 3-year-olds who are at the center during normal preschool hours at no additional cost!
For more information…
If you have any questions or would like to receive a tour of the Lyons Campus or Downtown Campus, please call us at 563-242-2110 or email childrenscenter@ywcaclinton.org.
Childcare Rates
Weekly Childcare Rates (effective 3-1-22) | Part-Time (0-25 hours) | Full-Time (25.25-50 hours) | Full-Time Extended (50.25+ hours) |
Infants (6 weeks to 23 months old) | $115 / week | $215 / week | $220 / week |
2 Year Olds (or not fully potty trained) | $115 / week | $215 / week | $220 / week |
3 Year Olds (fully potty trained) | $100 / week | $175 / week | $195 / week |
4-5 Year Olds (fully potty trained) | $95 / week | $175 / week | $195 / week |
School Age- K-5 | $75 / week | $150 / week | $182 / week |
For more information…
If you have any questions or would like to receive a tour of the Lyons Campus or Downtown Campus, please call us at 563-242-2110 or email childrenscenter@ywcaclinton.org.
Tell Us What you Think
Make the Transition Easier
On that first day you bring your child to the center, you may be nervous and your child may be too. Those first days in a new place and classroom can be challenging: for you and your child. We invite you to stop by anytime to observe your child's classroom and to help make her/his adjustment to new surroundings easier.
Opportunities to help:
Volunteers are always welcome! Please call the Children's Center at 563-242-2190 to learn more about volunteering.