Making every Childhood Moment Count

At the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and have fun every day. Our Youth Services programs are designed to support children at every stage of development by combining educational opportunities, active play, and meaningful social experiences in a caring atmosphere.

Whether your child is taking their first steps into preschool or participating in our school-age programs, our dedicated staff work to create experiences that encourage confidence, curiosity, and lifelong friendships. Through age-appropriate curriculum, hands-on activities, and positive role models, we strive to help every child reach their full potential.

Our programs focus on developing healthy habits, building strong social skills, fostering lasting friendships, and creating memorable experiences that children look forward to each day. We are proud to offer licensed childcare services and financial assistance opportunities to help make quality childcare accessible to families throughout our community.

Financial Assistance

Everyone Belongs at the Y

At the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of a family’s financial circumstances. We are committed to making our Youth Services programs accessible by offering financial assistance to qualifying families.

Through our Financial Assistance Program, eligible families may receive support to help offset the cost of programs such as:

• Preschool
• Before & After School Care
• Holiday Camp
• Summer Camp

Financial assistance is awarded based on household need and available funding. Our application process is confidential, and our team is here to help guide families through each step.

Preschool

Building a Strong Foundation for Lifelong Learning

The Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA Preschool Program provides a safe, licensed, and nurturing environment where young children can explore, discover, and develop essential skills through purposeful play and structured learning.

Our preschool follows The Creative Curriculum®, an engaging, research-based curriculum that promotes school readiness while encouraging creativity, independence, and social-emotional growth. Every day is thoughtfully planned to provide children with opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences, imaginative play, and meaningful interactions with caring teachers.

Program Hours

• Monday–Friday
• 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Children may attend up to 10 hours per day.

Program Highlights

• Licensed childcare program
• Ages 1 to pre-K
• Year-round enrollment
• The Creative Curriculum®
• Safe and engaging learning environment
• Focus on social-emotional development
• Arts and creative expression
• Daily learning experiences
• Caring, experienced educators

A day at Preschool

Children enjoy a balanced day filled with opportunities to learn, play, and grow through activities such as:

• Creative arts and crafts
• Early literacy and language development
• Social-emotional learning
• Music and movement
• Fine and gross motor activities
• Indoor and Outdoor activities
• Group learning experiences

Nutritious Meals Included

The Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA participates in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program(CACFP), helping ensure every child receives nutritious, well-balanced meals throughout the day.

Children enrolled in our preschool program receive:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Afternoon Snack

Our meals meet USDA nutrition guidelines and help fuel children for a full day of learning, play, and development.

Before & After School

The YMCA Before & After School Program provides dependable care for school-age children in a safe, structured, and engaging environment before and after school. Our programs help children continue learning, build friendships, and stay active while giving parents peace of mind.

Children participate in a variety of enriching activities designed to promote creativity, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles while spending time with caring YMCA staff.

Program Highlights

• Transportation provided to and from participating schools
• Safe and supervised environment
• Age-appropriate activities
• Homework Help
• Opportunities to build friendships
• Character development
• Recreation and active play

School-Age Locations & Schools We Serve

North Bay YMCA – 1825 Popps Ferry Rd. Biloxi MS 39532

• North Bay Elementary
• Biloxi Upper Elementary

Back Bay YMCA – 340 St. Mary Blvd, Biloxi MS 39531

• Back Bay Elementary
• Popps Ferry Elementary
• Biloxi Upper Elementary

Vancleave YMCA – 13630 Hwy 57 Vancleave MS

• Vancleave Elementary
• Vancleave Middle School
• Vancleave Upper Elementary

Taconi YMCA – 711 Magnolia Avenue, Ocean Springs MS 39564

• Pecan Park Elementary
• Magnolia Park Elementary
• Oak Park Elementary
• Ocean Springs Upper Elementary
• Lighthouse Academy
• St. Martin East Elementary
• St. Martin Upper Elementary

Holiday Camp

School’s Out…The Y is In!

When school is closed, the fun continues at the YMCA! Holiday Camp provides families with a safe and engaging option during school breaks while giving children opportunities to stay active, make friends, and participate in exciting themed activities.

Each Holiday Camp features planned curriculum, creative projects, recreational activities, and at least one exciting field trip during the week.

Our Holiday Camp schedule is designed to align with the academic calendars of the following school districts:

• Ocean Springs School District
• Biloxi Public School District
• Jackson County School District

Program Hours

• Monday–Friday
• 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Children may attend up to 10 hours per day.

Holiday Camps Offered

• Fall Break
• Thanksgiving Break
• Christmas Break
• Mardi Gras Break
• Spring Break

Program Highlights

• Open to all families
• Ages 5–12
• Weekly themed activities
• Field trips
• Games and recreation
• Arts and crafts
• Safe, supervised care

Summer Camp

Adventure, Learning, and Fun All Summer Long

Summer Camp at the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA gives children an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, learning, and new friendships. Every week is designed to keep campers active, engaged, and excited through a combination of educational experiences, recreation, and community exploration.

Campers enjoy weekly field trips, swimming, STEM activities, recreation, and hands-on learning experiences that encourage confidence, teamwork, and personal growth.

Summer Camp Locations

Summer camp is offered at the following Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA locations:

• Taconi YMCA
• Vancleave YMCA
• Back Bay YMCA

Program Hours

• Monday–Friday
• 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Children may attend up to 10 hours per day.

Camp Features

• Ages 5–12
• One exciting camp theme throughout the summer
• Weekly field trips
• Swimming
• Recreation and sports
• STEM activities
• Creative enrichment
• Character development
• Summer learning loss prevention
• Safe, caring staff

Our Commitment to Child Safety

The safety and well-being of every child is the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA’s highest priority. Families trust us with their children each day, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care through comprehensive policies, staff training, and active supervision.

Our commitment includes:

• Required child abuse prevention training for all staff
• Active supervision practices in every program
• Open communication with parents and families
• Licensed childcare practices
• Ongoing staff training and professional development
• Safe, welcoming environments where every child is respected and valued

We believe every child deserves to learn, play, and grow in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re looking for preschool, before and after school care, holiday camp, or summer camp, the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA is here to support your family every step of the way.

Ready to learn more?

• Register Online
• Contact Us with any questions about our programs
• Join the YMCA to enjoy exclusive member discounts and additional family benefits

Our Youth Services Team

At the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA, our Youth Services team is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. Our staff are carefully selected for their passion for working with children and their commitment to providing quality care and positive experiences for every family.

Across all Youth Services programs, our team members receive ongoing training to ensure they are equipped to support children’s development while maintaining the highest standards of safety and care.

Our Youth Services staff are:

• Led by credentialed directors who meet Mississippi State childcare licensing requirements.
• CPR and First Aid certified.
• Required to complete ongoing professional development and annual training.
• Trained in child abuse prevention and active supervision practices.
• Committed to fostering positive relationships and open communication with children and families.
• Dedicated to creating engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that encourage growth, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

Every member of our team plays an important role in helping children develop healthy habits, build character, and discover their potential in a safe and supportive YMCA environment.