Before & Afterschool

YMCA After School Care Programs are designed to be a help to families and a benefit to children by providing a safe, fun environment after school. There are four primary areas of focus for the program.

• Focus on homework: Each child has an opportunity to work on their homework, school assignments or read for 30 minutes each day. Our staff offer assistance as long as it does not take away from the total supervision of the group. Teachers can send homework assignments to the YMCA counselors so that we are aware of each child’s responsibilities.
• Focus on nutrition: The YMCA provides a variety of 100% fruit juice and snacks that are healthy for afternoon snack each day. Snacks of vegetables, fruits, grains and cheese are some of the ways that the YMCA can encourage healthy eating.
• Focus on fitness: Each of our After School Care Programs utilizies the CATCH Kid's Club to offer fitness each day.  A variety of activities are planned through CATCH that encourage exercise as a daily part of a healthy lifestyle. Jump rope, walking, running, sports activities and fitness games are some of the activities we use to teach fitness. Activities are always age appropriate and last 30 minutes.
• Focus on fun: The YMCA recognizes that too often children have been sitting in a classroom most of the day; therefore, we encourage free play under the supervision of our counselors. Free play allows children to develop social skills, relationships and build their self-confidence. Free play lasts approximately 30 minutes and can include organized games, playground time or just hanging out with friends.

What does a sample YMCA After School Care schedule look like?

*Additional homework time can be added during free time provided the parents and students have informed the counselors of their need for this additional time.

Find A YMCA After School Care Program Near You: