LEARN.
GROW.
THRIVE.
Nature Based Child Care offers 3-6 year olds a high-quality learning environment that meets their developmental needs while initiating them into a life-long, meaningful relationship with the natural world. This program provides discovery-based learning through play, sensory, gross and fine motor activities and creative expression, using the natural world as a catalyst for children's growth and development.
Now Enrolling!
We're glad you're interested in enrolling your child for our Nature Based Day Care (NBDC). To let us know your family's needs, interests and preferred contact information, please contact a representative below:
- Lydia Kuznicki, Nature Based Day Care Teacher at Maywood Site
- Gracie Kolb, Nature Based Day Care Teacher at Y-Koda Site
- Sarah Dezwarte, Director of Education
**This is a Wisconsin Department Children & Families Licensed Childcare Program.
MAYWOOD SITE
2025-2026 Child Care
AGES 3 - 6
Our Nature Based Child Care is open Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm each day.
Fees:
- The cost is $4.00 per half hour of attendance.
- A one-time registration fee of $50.00 is required per child. This fee is non-refundable and is a processing fee.
CAMP Y-KODA SITE
2025-2026 Child Care
AGES 3 - 6
Our Nature Based Child Care is open Monday-Friday, 7:30am-8:00am, 11:00am-4:30pm each day.
Fees:
- The cost is $4.00 per half hour of attendance.
- A one-time registration fee of $50.00 is required per child. This fee is non-refundable and is a processing fee.
MAYWOOD SITE
2026 SUMMER Child Care
**Registration opens Wednesday, February 25 at 12:00am CST
JUNE 15 - AUGUST 27, 2026 • 7:30AM - 4:30PM
Our Summer Nature Based Child Care is open Monday-Friday.
Fees:
- The cost is $4.00 per half hour of attendance.
- A one-time registration fee of $50.00 is required per child. This fee is non-refundable and is a processing fee.
MEET OUR DAY CARE TEACHERs
Lydia Kuznicki
Nature Based Day Care Teacher at Maywood Site
lkuznicki@sheboygancountyymca.org
Lydia has been teaching children of all ages since 2005. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Education with minors in Science and Early Childhood. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood. When not teaching, Lydia enjoys the shores of Lake Michigan, reading, crochet, watching movies, gardening, and traveling with her husband. Some of the international places she and her husband have visited include: Dubai and UAE, London and Paris, Singapore, and Qatar. Her favorite animal is the Penguin. A native of Sheboygan, Lydia is honored to be back in Wisconsin and helping to educate children in Sheboygan County about nature through the exploration of Maywood's diverse environment.
TOM
Environmental Educator at Maywood Site
Meet Tom, one of the Educators at Camp Y-Koda. Tom wears many hats with camp and you may find him working with outdoor education groups, at the Nature Based Day Care & 4k program, and general camp programs. He is married and has 3 adult children. Tom has a bachelor's degree in Sociology & Pyschology from the University of Wisconsin and Trinity College. Tom has over 40 years of experience working with children of all ages. His passion is environmental education, and has conducted educational & interpretive programs for over 20 years. Tom has been a Wisconsin Master Naturalist for 13 years, and received the Outstanding Educator award in 2018. In his free time, Tom enjoys fishing, camping and anything outdoors. He is involved with his church and enjoys serving other people when he can.
ALISON
Environmental Educator at Maywood Site
Meet Alison! She is a teacher at the YKNS Maywood site. While new to the childcare & teaching setting, Alison has a Pyschology degree and previous experience working on a mental health study for the Army. She enjoys traveling and exploring, and can be found coloring or playing outside with her kids and husband. Her hobbies include playing softball, volleyball and swimming. She can't wait to work with all the children and families!
GRACIE KOLB
Nature Based Day Care Teacher at Camp Y-Koda Site
Gracie has been a part of Camp Y-Koda since 2021, starting in the summer camp program, joining the Nature Based Daycare at Maywood in 2023 as an assistant teacher, and now the lead teacher at the Nature Based Day Care Y-Koda location. Although she has a bachelor's degree in musical theatre from the UW - Green Bay, she still loves working in nature and working with kids, creating fun and exciting memories to last a lifetime and continuing to learn with them. When she's not working, she can be found spending time with family and friends, on stage in the Manitowoc area, or finding new things to do in her community.