I can't believe this place even has 2.9 stars. They should have zero. Horrible security for child care - any person can walk in. Counselors do not care. So much more. The 5 star reviews have to be from management. read more

Speaking from a bit of experience (19 years as a referee at a different YMCA) I can say that what makes the Raritan Valley YMCA special is their people. The staff at this Y is friendly, caring and just generally nice happy people. Although Raritan Valley isn't the largest and most complete Y in central New Jersey it does a great job at servicing the needs of their community. Their Daycare and Summer Camp programs are a great help to working families and swimming lessons are included. They are the YMCA for youth competitive swimming. Fitness programs are available for Senior citizens with their Silver Sneakers. Zumba and Yoga classes are available for a more intense workout and a complete fitness center with no wait for a treadmill, bike, stepper or weight machine. Personal trainers can help you achieve your personal goals. Open basketball and pickleball are available in their gym for those who play. I highly recommend that you join the Raritan Valley YMCA and take advantage of this great underutilized facility. read more

Raritan Valley YMCA is the best! I trust my children at this location. The staff is so nice. we are family. Raritan valley YMCA is a beautiful community read more

The place is not for babies and toddlers, it's for children who can speak and feed themselves. The baby and toddlers room in an open space together. People walk from outside and walk right in, with the germs and bacteria from outside. The toddlers sleep right by the door. There is no sign in or sign out sheet. My toddler was barely feed to not eating or drinking for her first 3 days and she got sick because she was place to sleep directly at the door. The caretaker are inexperienced and from what I experience a stranger could have picked up my daughter. I was ask when I went to pick her up if I was there for the new kids. Noone knew me or ask for my ID. My daughter got really sick in 3 days, temperature, cough/cold and dyhdration due to how poorly she was treated. This is the worst place to send your child. read more

My son was enrolled in childcare here. I don't recommend this facility because they're no set teachers, there are always new teachers around your child who never properly introduce themselves. The majority of the staff are either minors or college age students who were placed there for their internships. My child was outcasted multiple times. He came home with scratches on his face multiple times and when I would ask what happened none of the teachers could tell me but when my child would hit someone they were quick to email me about that. They do not monitor the children closely enough. I was told that my son "snuck" off to the baby area. Why is a toddler able to sneak off anywhere when there should be eyes on all children in the classroom at all times? Although it is legal to have infants and toddlers in the same classroom it is honestly unsafe especially when teachers are not doing their diligence. The big teacher Brittany is extremely rude and lazy, she will watch you knock on the door at arrival and just stare until someone else gets up to open the door. I could write an essay of all the negative events I have encountered while my child was enrolled here. While the Y may be right for your family it was not a fit for mine. My son has been attending a new daycare for about a year and has progressed in all academic areas vastly, his social skills have developed significantly and the things that the teachers at the YMCA claimed my child was doing has even been a factor nor discussion at his current daycare. Save yourself the time and frustration from dealing with these unprofessional people read more

I worked as the Teacher Supervisor & adored my time at YMCA. With Preeti as my Supervisor, I was able to soar and come to love Early Childhood Education (ending up getting my degree in it.) I would recommend the early learning portion of the YMCA to any family! read more

I love working out at this YMCA! The facility and staff are attentive and well trained, always supportive and helpful. This Y offers so many programs for children and families at a reasonable rate. I would highly recommend this Y to anyone! read more

Completely agree with reviews below regarding summer camp and administration/management. We had visited the camp a few times prior to start date in order to meet with director and get a good feel. They know how to sell it, but it is a completely different experience once you get there. My 5 yr old child sprained her wrist and one teenaged counselors told her "Don't come to me unless you're bleeding." Found out they were separating my child to eat alone because of her snack with nuts that could not be around allergic child, but admin Preethi never alerted me or told me to stop bringing. Management NEVER returns phone calls or emails - cannot tell you how unsafe that makes a parent feel. Director Barbara laughed at me when I asked why the kids didn't get one of the activities promised. Cannot tell you the number of things I had to replace because the counselors lost (water bottles, clothes, towels, lunchbox items, etc). On top of all this (and much, much more), it is a lot more expensive than other YMCA camps, with limited discounts, and it's not the best or safest facility - especially compared to the other YMCAs I've been to in Middlesex County. I pulled my kids out a month early with complaints - I was out 4K and they did not want to hear or resolve a thing. Parents, I wish I had these reviews before I registered here. You have been warned. read more

I recently received an email from Raritan Valley YMCA reminding me to sign my child back up for swim lessons and I thought that I would relay exactly why she will not be returning to your facility. Firstly, after eight weeks, my daughter who used to love the water and was not afraid of it, now is. She does not want to get her head wet and she says that going under the water makes her nose and head hurt. Secondly, your "instructors" would start class late (usually at 11:38 or so for the 11:30 am class) and end exactly at noon, if not earlier. There were way too many children to one instructor, but according to Julie, who I believe is some relation to Brian, the Director (mother or mother-in-law), it is acceptable to have eight children per instructor. This is unacceptable to me and to the other parents watching outside while their little loved ones were made to cling to the side of a pool that was 10 feet deep in spots. Now that I've moved her on to another facility that focuses on teaching swimming to children without the float bubbles on their backs, I realize that the only reason why they had them was out of laziness, greed and for liability purposes. Too many kids, not enough supervision and deep water are a recipe for disaster. I had to watch my daughter through a glass partition as she was goaded into jumping into the water and three of those times, she landed on her tailbone before actually sliding down into the water. I also watched kids much bigger and older than her push past her to jump in the water when it was her turn and no one said anything. There were children in her class that were clearly capable of doing more than she was or the other three and four year-olds were, but yet, upon speaking to Julie, all of those children were on the same level because they all wore the two-bubbles on their backs. Another shock to me was the very last class was the FIRST time that the children were taught about water safety! And Julie had the nerve to then come outside and talk to the parents about the kids being taught to never enter the water alone and how to pull someone in (like the big young male "instructor" whose name I was never given) with a pool noodle. She said to ask my child what she had learned. I did and my little girl said she learned "nothing". Why not teach water safety first? At one point in time, I asked Julie about the "technique" being utilized to teach the kids. Why not teach them floating or how to kick? She told me, with a straight face, that I should have my three year-old practice at home. I should have her kick while watching TV and that I should have her practice blowing her bubbles in the bathtub! I told some of the other parents this and they laughed. If I could teach my daughter how to swim in the bathtub or on my living room floor, I would have no need for swim lessons in a pool. The only reason why Julie became extra friendly the last day was because she was trying to peddle the next class and when I declined her flyer, she asked that my little girl get back in the water and splash around and then said that she would be on a one bubble float device the next class. I strongly believe that the only reason why she had come outside and had spoken to the parents was to try to drum up more business. Telling me that my child could, in essence, cling to the side of a pool with a one bubble float while waiting for her 2 ¼ minutes of attention, doesn't cut it. One mother said that the only reason why she put her boys in your class was because of the price. Their father said that he was hoping that they would not be afraid of the water. I am a criminal trial attorney and I've seen my fair share of cases where children are left alone near water and have no fear of it, nor respect for it and end up at the bottom of it. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. Your family takes the money from people and give 20 minutes of a class for 8 children which means that each child has approximately 2 ¼ minutes of attention. I surely hope that no child ends up being hurt or worse at your program, for them and their parents sake. As for me, I am not willing to take that risk. I did reply to Director Brian's email with this review first. He had no response. read more

My son has been going to their childcare center since he was 2 years old. He loves the program and the childcare director. He is in 2nd grade now and still loves to visit Ms Preeti. She has special connection to all the children and parents in her program. He learned a lot in preschool and due to that strong foundation he does excellent in school. I would highly recommend this center for any family looking for a Daycare for their young once. Afterschool program is great too. They help with homework, provide snack and do lot of activities including Basketball, Soccer, tennis and CATCH. read more

I pulled my son from another local preschool that has a good reputation but was going through high turnover and seemed, at the time, to loose its way. The Y has been a real blessing. My son is 3 and has been attending the Y's program for 2+ years now. My wife and I joke that the Y staff parent him and we provide dinner and get him ready for bed. There is a small grain of truth there but modern work regrets aside, our son is flourishing. He loves to read books, is outgoing and communicative, he loves to play, enjoys physical activity and loves his teachers. He has been encouraged to interact with the other children from his first day, and now 3, his social skills and learning are above grade from all the published guidelines I've read. With summer approaching he can look forward to sharing a camp experience with his school mates. This includes: field trips, outdoor games and exploration and weekly pool times again. I find it an immersive and enriching environment and he is happy to "go to school". After more than two years, I will not say there have not been a small handful of days that I was disappointed about something. Perhaps, momentarily loosing sight of the big picture, I was not shy to express myself in each case. In such instance, I found Ms. Preeti concerned, engaged, and responsive when discussing my concerns or ideas. After so much time and interaction I can say that she is excellent in her role and in the above situations listened carefully and worked to find quick and lasting resolutions. In sharing this review, now taking the big picture into account, I/we have been very satisfied with the Y's: concern for my child's safety, his developing social skills, and his overall physical, emotional and mental development and well being; and I am confident in the Y's evolving curriculum and programs to continue to advance his growth and prepare him for the challenges ahead. read more

Raritan Valley YMCA is an excellent place for the entire family to learn, and thrive in competitive sports. it has a fun environment, professional and friendly staff, and nice community members. There is something for everybody in the family: Zumba, Yoga classes for my wife, swimming, and basketball lessons for my young kids & my elder is in the competitive swim team, in addition for a clean, hygienic gym to me. The caring management, friendly staff, and professional coaches are what make me proud to be part of the Raritan Valley YMCA family. read more

My daughter came home with a huge bruise on her left eye and as always they never have a reasoning behind it which they didn't think it was important enough to give me a call about but a payment there the first ones on your phone. Before that she had a incident which one of the staffs named Ashley said it was a "rug burn" . They do not watch kids properly. My 10 month old has came home many times with diaper rashes. Twice I had to take my daughter to the doctor because my daughter wouldn't stop crying because everytime she sat it bothered her. I asked the doctor if it could be that maybe they used the wrong wipes and he said it's 100% from diapers not being changed frequently. I finally realized that it's time to take her out. Not only that but it came to a point where the food I brought my daughter was coming home exactly how I brought it. Yesterday was her last day and she will NEVER return. I DO NOT recommend. Yes it's cheaper but no it is not worth it. read more

Upper level management should learn how to operate a business with strong ethical standards. It would greatly help improve their public perception, lower their employee turnover and may actually turn the place around. I'm sorry to say that I will never be able to speak highly of this specific organization again while the current senior management is in place. Ego's run this place, not professional's... read more

This is a wonderful Y. Great childcare, swim lessons, camp and a very professional and caring staff. It's smaller than many of the area Y's, but this is a plus, as, when you are there, as the Cheers song goes, "Everybody knows your name." read more

Please do yourself a favor and find another place for your child. Yes, it may be a little cheaper, but this "school" is worth nothing, It is run by teenagers who dont have the appropriate training to take care of toddlers. The 3/4 year old babies were outside on a 90 degree day in the sun during the regular school year. They spend most of their day sleeping or in free play. There is no learning. My daughter learned how to be argumentative and was very unhappy. The security is very poor with the lock often broken and noone bothers to fix it for weeks. Anyone can easily enter the daycare facility as doors are unlocked and left open. We were so dissappointed at the lack of structure for the kids. They try very hard to impress at orientation, but that is all out the window once the year is in full swing. The most important task for them is patting each other on the back rather than see their own faults regardless of parent complaints. read more

My 4 year old daughter took the YMCA swim instruction. The swim instructors were nice to some children, but for some reason were not with mine. On the first day, my daughter did something which the instructor misconstrued as not listening, but she didn't know any better and was not given clear instructions. Plus, she was 4! It should have been better communicated on the first day. The instructor very rudely yelled at her for "not listening"and I felt that was way out of line. My daughter didn't realize she was doing anything wrong. After that incident, even though my daughter was always compliant, the instructor still treated her differently than the other kids which I found very unprofessional. Every day after swim class, my daughter would be sad and ask why the instructor didn't like her. It was heartbreaking to me. Then on the last day of class, the older woman who I believe is in charge of the program, came over to me and asked for my daughter's name. I gave it to her and she said my daughter wasn't on the class list (again, rudely. I got the impression she was accusing me of not belonging there or paying. Also, why wait until the last day to resolve this?). After she kept insisting my daughter wasn't on the list, I looked at it and I realized they put my name on the list instead of of my daughter's name. She just sarcastically smiled and walked away. No apology. In the future I will try to find a friendlier and more enjoyable swim class for my daughter. read more

IF YOU LOVE YOUR CHILD... !!! While this place may seem affordable it is so not what it is made out to be. The first day my daughter attended camp she had people throwing dirt in her hair. Secondly, no one to assist or give give proper guidance but a bunch of kids they hire at possibly low wages that could not care about anything other than being on their phones. THE PLACE IS NOT SECURE!!! anyone can walk in and say they are going to the gym and will have access to your child. How can they not have access control in times like these where any crazy person can walk in. My daughter was left alone in the pool and even after complaining she was scared no one attended to her. They do not even have a incident policy to notify parents of anything. don't make a nice web site bring you in, it is not worth it. MANAGEMENT IS DISRESPECTFUL!!! Don't try to raise any concerns to them because it their world you just live in it. I don't know about all locations but the East Brunswick location is so poorly run by Gina Stravic & Karen Robson. People should be treated fairly and with respect no matter who you are and further more your child deserves a secure and positive environment. read more

My preschooler has enjoyed many educational and creative activities at the Y. He comes home and proudly shows me what he has done. There is a large gym, a beautiful and safe outdoor environment in a natural setting as well. I have crazy work hours and the Y and staff have been very accommodating. One day I came to pick up earlier than expected and my son didn't want to leave because he was very involved with his project. This summer he is continuing swim lessons at the outdoor pool. The pool staff are experts in teaching young children and he's making a lot of progress. I'm very happy because through gentle and caring teachers he is overcoming his fear of water. read more

The preschool program is subpar! There is a high teacher turnover rate, no organization and no stability for the children. It is run more like a day care program rather than a preschool. The program director, Preeti, has poor communications with the parents and was at times very rude to me and my family members that would drop my child off. I would pick up my child in the afternoon with an unknown person watching the children run all over the classroom. There was a locked door for the children's safety, but they left the other doors open all the time so any member of the public in the YMCA could enter the childcare area. I complained about this many times but there was no attention paid for this lack of child safety. I heard a child in the 4 year old class being scolded in front of the class for not handing in a homework assignment on time. If your child wasn't enrolled full time they were treated differently and as a parent you were constantly coerced by Preeti to enroll them full time. Everytime I would drop my child off, there was an issue with the food choices that I packed for my child which was recommended by his pediatrician. This school was nothing more than an aggravating experience rather than a joyous one that a parent and child should enjoy. When I finally pulled my child from this school and returned a couple days later to pick up his belongings, I was treated very coldly by Preeti and was told his belongings were probably thrown away. Once I removed my child from this environment was enrolled in another preschool, he flourished and began to love going to school and learning in a very caring, loving and nurturing environment these young children need. read more