Our daycare program provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, play, and grow. Each day is filled with engaging activities that foster curiosity and creativity, including interactive learning sessions, arts and crafts, storytime, and outdoor play. Our experienced staff tailors activities to each child's unique interests and developmental stage, encouraging exploration and discovery. We emphasize early education fundamentals, helping children build essential cognitive, motor, and social skills through structured and free-play experiences.
In addition to academic growth, we focus on social and emotional development. Through group activities and guided interactions, children learn cooperation, empathy, and effective communication. Our warm, supportive atmosphere ensures every child feels valued, respected, and understood. Parents can have peace of mind knowing their little ones are in caring hands, thriving in a community that prioritizes their well-being and happiness.
The Ottumwa YMCA Discovery Lane Early Programs are licensed through the Iowa Department of Human Services. The IHHS/Childcare Licensing Standards and Procedures and IHHS Licensing Rules can be found here. Our IHHS Licensing Consultant is Jill Seibert, Child Care Center Licensing Consultant, Wapello County IHHS Office, 641.684.3949.
Infant Classroom
1:4 Staff Child Ratio
This classroom provides a nurturing environment where children engage in hands-on exploration, developing communication, fine motor, and gross motor skills through interactive play and discovery.
Infant Classroom
1:4 Staff Child Ratio
This classroom fosters curiosity and growing independence, encouraging little ones to explore, move, and interact through engaging, hands-on experiences designed just for them.
Infant Classroom
1:4 Staff Child Ratio
This classroom buzzes with excitement, providing a environment where little ones engage in playful exploration, discover new skills, and build confidence through dynamic activities and social interactions.
Toddler Classroom
1:6 Staff Child Ratio
This classroom inspires curiosity, offering a supportive space where kids develop physically, socially, and emotionally, through engaging activities that spark imagination and encourage language exploration.
3-year Old Classroom
1:8 Staff Child Ratio
In this preschool environment, our teachers provide a balance of guided activities and child-led choices, supporting each child's interests and development while encouraging deep engagement in learning.
4-year Old Classroom
1:10 Staff Child Ratio
Here, children engage in a variety of activities, including blocks, dramatic play, art, and more, where they build confidence, work together in small groups, and explore new ideas and experiences that fosters growth and creativity.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online here and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation.
Submit your completed AD-3027 form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121 or 800-457-4416; or website here.