Programs - After School Program
Our After School Program is part of the YMCA’s history of dedication to youth and children’s services. It was established to meet the needs of working parents in the community while providing their children a fun, safe, enriching environment that would promote the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honest, respect and responsibility. We offer a variety of daily activities focusing on academic support, character development, physical fitness and proper nutrition, under the leadership of qualified, professional staff.
Every effort is continuously made to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Our experienced staff team is dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional and intellectual needs of all children under our care in a safe, nurturing environment.
Academic Support
Children in our After School Program receive help on their homework and take part in educational activities that reinforce what is learned at school. Research shows that children who spend time in constructive learning activities after school perform better in the classroom.
Character Development
The Y's After School Program encourages positive behavior and good choices through character development activities. Children learn the importance of many values, particularly the YMCA’s core values - caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Children learn how to interact with other children and adults. They learn how to share, make friends and understand other people’s feelings. Through the integration of values-based curriculum and recreation, participants learn and grow while having fun.
Qualified, Professional Staff
Every staff member must meet state licensing requirements. In addition to YMCA training, many staff hold professional certifications in childcare and advanced degrees in early childhood education.
Physical Fitness and Nutrition
Our After School Program ensures children are given a unique mix of activities that focus on health, fitness and nutrition. Children also receive healthy snacks based on the guidelines from the USDA.
Teaching healthy behaviors at a young age is important. Behaviors involving physical activity and nutrition are the cornerstone of preventing obesity in children and adolescents.
Financial Assistance
Scholarships, in the form of financial assistance, are awarded to families interesed in participating in YMCA programs, like our After School Program. To determine eligibility, a family must complete a financial assistance application and supply all necessary supporting documentation. A member of the Y professional staff team will review applications confidentially and make award determinations based on a sliding scale. We are sensitive to extenuating circumstances, and will readily discuss needs a family may have beyond what their household income would indicate.
Change Your Community
Through support raised by our Y Community Campaign, we are able to reach out to families throughout the community to provide this program and other opportunities they may otherwise not be able to afford. Donations made to the Give to the Y Community Campaign provide scholarships for children to participate in recreational, learning and life-enhancing experiences that will enable them to grow and develop into well-rounded, healthy and productive adults. Anyone interested in sending one or more children to our After School Program by donating to the campaign may do so in person or on our website.
