What programs do you offer at Skagit Valley Family YMCA?

We offer a wide variety of programs including youth sports, fitness classes, swim programs, childcare, and community events at our Mount Vernon, WA location. Our programs are designed to support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

What amenities are available at your facility in Mount Vernon, WA?

We provide a full service facility that includes an aquatics center, indoor track, gymnasium, and a wellness center with fitness equipment to support individuals and families throughout Mount Vernon and surrounding communities.

Do you offer programs for children and teens?

Yes, we offer a variety of youth programs including sports leagues, camps, and enrichment activities that help children and teens build confidence, stay active, and develop important life skills.

Can families participate in activities together?

Yes, we encourage family participation through group activities, events, and programs that allow families in Mount Vernon, WA to stay active and spend quality time together.

Do you offer swim lessons in Mount Vernon, WA?

Yes, we offer swim lessons for all ages and skill levels in our aquatics center. Our programs focus on water safety, skill development, and building confidence in the water.

What types of fitness options are available?

We offer a wide range of fitness options including group exercise classes, personal training, cardio equipment, strength training, and access to our indoor track and gymnasium.

Is the YMCA open to all members of the community?

Yes, we are a welcoming, inclusive organization that serves individuals and families throughout Mount Vernon, WA and the surrounding Skagit Valley area.

Do you offer financial assistance for memberships or programs?

Yes, we provide financial assistance to help ensure everyone in our community has access to our programs and services regardless of their financial situation.

What makes Skagit Valley Family YMCA different?

We are a cause driven organization focused on strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We aim to create a welcoming space where everyone can grow and thrive.

How can I get started with a membership?

We make it easy to get started by visiting our Mount Vernon, WA location or reaching out to learn more about membership options and programs that fit your needs.

Laventure Early Learning Center earns high marks

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Skagit Valley Family YMCA’s Laventure Early Learning Center (ELC): we have officially earned a Level 4 rating from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) through their Early Achievers program!

“This achievement reflects the dedication, heart, and professionalism of our entire early learning team, and we couldn’t be more proud,” shares Tammie Young, Senior ELC Director at the Skagit Y.

What is Early Achievers?

Early Achievers is Washington State’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, a program designed to help early learning providers like us create safe, supportive, and healthy environments where children can thrive. The program benefits everyone in the early childhood community:

Children receive strong early learning experiences that prepare them for school and life
Early learning professionals gain access to training, coaching, mental health support, and financial resources
Families get reliable, transparent information to help them feel confident choosing quality child care

Ratings are awarded on a scale, and a provider’s participation in Early Achievers is a direct signal of their commitment to continuously improving the quality of care they offer. Ratings are renewed every three years and this is the first time Laventure Early Learning Center has ever been rated. Starting at a Level 4 is a tremendous achievement we don’t take lightly.

Out of a possible 5-point rating, our Laventure ELC earned a 4 and was just six points shy from a 5 rating, the highest possible rating. This result places us well above where many programs land on their first assessment, and it reflects months of intentional work across our teaching staff and administrative team.

Located in Mount Vernon, our Laventure ELC currently serves 90 children (effectively operating at full capacity) across six classrooms: Infants, Waddlers, Toddlers, two Preschool groups, and Pre-K. Every one of those children benefits from the quality care this rating represents.

How we were assessed

The quality of how teachers interact with children every single day is the foundation of everything we do.

To assess this, our teachers were videoed in action in their classrooms; a total of 36 10-minute-long videos were submitted for review. After submitting the videos, teachers were also asked to complete written reflections: What did they do? What did they learn? What would they do differently? It was a thoughtful, honest look at their teaching.

What stood out wasn’t just the quality of teaching captured on those videos — it was the growth every teacher demonstrated throughout the process. Coaching from our Early Achievers Coach, Toni Carter, played a huge role in that. “Toni worked alongside our teachers and administrative staff throughout the entire journey: reviewing videos, providing personalized coaching on classroom practice, and helping our admin team ensure our family engagement policies and records were in strong shape,” shares Young. “Her partnership made a real difference, and we are grateful for her!”

Assessors also took a close look at how we track and support children’s outcomes and curriculum progress, how our staff communicate with families, and whether our policies are not only written down but actually followed. This includes how we approach situations like supporting a child with a special need and ensuring families are meaningfully involved every step of the way. We’re proud of the systems our team has built to keep children and families at the center of everything.

Our work is grounded in the Washington State Early Learning and Developmental Guidelines, and this assessment confirmed that our curriculum and practices align with those standards.

A team effort more than a year in the making

The road to this rating was no small undertaking. Our team completed all assessments throughout 2025, submitted everything for review in April 2026, and received our official rating in May 2026.

“This process took preparation, commitment, and a willingness to be evaluated and grow,” says Young. “Our staff showed up every step of the way.”

What’s next

This rating is valid for three years — and in that time, we’re committed to continuing to build on this foundation. The Y’s other Early Learning Center, located in Burlington, is currently working through its own assessments and plans to submit in August 2026. We’re cheering them on!

For families at Laventure, this rating is a meaningful symbol of what you already see every day: a team that shows up for your children with intention, warmth, and a deep commitment to their growth. For those exploring child care options, it’s a window into what makes our early learning environment special.

At the Skagit YMCA, we believe that every child deserves a strong start — and this rating reaffirms that Laventure Early Learning Center is delivering exactly that.