Financial Assistance & Tuition

Child Care Financial Assistance

We do believe that every child should have the opportunity to succeed. That’s why we offer multiple resources to help families pay for child care expenses. To qualify for financial assistance, you must be currently enrolled or in the process of enrolling at one of our child care programs. Financial assistance is designed to help cover expenses based on your family size and gross income per your household.

It is possible for families to qualify for both North Dakota/Minnesota and YMCA financial assistance programs. However, we encourage families to apply for state child care assistance before applying for YMCA Financial Assistance. Please see the information below on both ND/MN Child Care Assistance and YMCA Financial Assistance. 

To apply for Child Care Financial Assistance, please follow the steps below. 

1. Apply for child care assistance in the county in which you reside (see North Dakota and Minnesota Child Care Assistance section below).
2. When you receive your determination letter (whether accepted or denied), you may submit the paperwork with your YMCA Financial Assistance application (see YMCA Child Care Scholarships section below). You must submit all information listed on the application to be considered. Processing takes a minimum of two weeks. If funds are not available at the time of submission, you will be placed on a waiting list. If you leave the program, you will be removed from the waiting list and may re-apply should you want to enroll at a later date.

For a full list of guidelines surrounding YMCA Child Care Financial Assistance, or if you have any questions, please contact us at 218.359.2326 or Childcare@ymcanorthernsky.org

North Dakota and Minnesota Child Care Assistance

To determine if you are eligible for state assistance, please download a form below and submit the application to the contacts listed on each form. Enrollment fee and the first two weeks of tuition are required at the time of enrollment. If you are on North Dakota or Minnesota financial assistance, you must pay the enrollment fee and half of your month co-pay. If you do not have your North Dakota or Minnesota certification form showing your co-pay amount, you must pay for the first two weeks of tuition in full.

ND Child Care Assistance     MN Child Care Assistance

Early Head Start Program

Together, Mayville State University Child Development Program and the YMCA provides Early Head Start services to eligible families at two of our locations! Early Head Start is an income-based program that provides families with quality child care. This program is offered at our West Fargo and South Learning Center Locations. Early Head Start is for children ages six weeks through two years old. To apply, please contact us at Enroll@ymcanorthernsky.org or 701.364.4117 or visit the Mayville State University website.

YMCA Child Care Scholarships

To determine if you are eligible for a YMCA Child Care Scholarship, please download the application form below and submit your completed application to one of the contacts listed on the form. Funds from the YMCA’s financial assistance program are made possible through United Way and the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. YMCA Child Care Scholarships are subject to change based on available funding and adherence to program policies. After you apply for a YMCA Child Care Scholarship, the YMCA Learning Center Financial Aid Coordinator will follow up with you. If you do qualify, your scholarship will be in effect the date your application has been approved by our office. YMCA Child Care Scholarships are not available for Half-Day Preschool programs.

YMCA Child Care Scholarship Application

For 2023, we have special funding to help pay for child care beyond previous income levels indicated in child care assistance and YMCA scholarships. We encourage all families to apply. 

2024 Tuition Rates

A registration fee of $25/child or $40/family and the first two weeks of tuition are required at the time of enrollment. 

The Y makes it easy to take care of child care payments! See our 2024 payment calendar for more information. For assistance setting up payment, please contact our Learning Centers Enrollment Specialist and Billing Coordinator at 701.364.4117 or Childcare@ymcanorthernsky.org.