ABOUT YMCA AFTERSCHOOL

With the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility as our guide, we work with children every day to help them grow and thrive; and provide real life context to information learned in the classroom. For example, cooking projects help to teach fractions and journal writing helps to develop writing skills and promotes self-expression.

All our YMCA Afterschool sites are licensed by the Texas Department Family & Protective Services (TDFPS) and operate on a 1:15 staff to student ratio, well below the ratio of 1 to 26 required by the state of Texas. That means we have more staff available to provide individual attention to children and ensure a safer environment.

YMCA/school Partnership

The best after school programs, where the school, parents and children benefit the most, happen when the school and the YMCA have a strong partnership. The YMCA builds mutually beneficial relationships with our schools – this means:

• YMCA staff present and involved in PTA, Open House, school festivals, book fairs or other special events, including providing child care at these functions


• YMCA staff working with teachers, guidance counselors and other school staff to carry forward teaching, development and discipline in the afternoon, building consistency for children in your school


• YMCA staff available to communicate directly with parents on a daily basis


• YMCA program offered a secure cabinet and/or adequate storage space for program materials


• YMCA offered space to conduct a quality program out of the cafeteria and gym, with the flexibility to move as needed to accommodate school events

OUR PROGRAM

YMCA Afterschool is designed to complement the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) curriculum and includes fun, exciting ways to apply what’s taught in the classroom in the areas of math, science and literature. Our program consists of three key components: academic enrichment, recreation and activity centers.

• Academic Enrichment includes homework time and curriculum that uses activities to promote academic understanding.


• Fun & Fitness focuses on increasing physical activity and educating kids on the importance of nutrition.


• Activity Centers allow kids to explore and pursue their specific areas of interest.

Click here if you’d like us to bring YMCA Afterschool to your school or district.

STAFF

The Y seeks to employ only qualified, trained and experienced staff. Our staff is carefully selected and receives over 30 hours of training, from child development to the importance of being a positive role model. All staff must pass a comprehensive background and reference check prior to employment. In some districts, we also collaborate with our partner schools to employ teachers and para-professionals to assist with homework time and tutoring.

LOCATIONS

Most of our programs are located right in the schools, while a few are at the neighborhood Y. We work with school Administrators to ensure that we’re adhering to their building rules and guidelines.

Affordable Care & Financial Assistance

While we try to make our after school program affordable for everyone, we understand that cost may be a barrier for some families and offer financial assistance if that is the case.
If you know of a family that’s unable to afford but needs after school care, please contact Business Services.

to learn more About ymca afterschool contact:

Suzana Delgado-Gray
Associate Vice-President of School Age Services
214-880-YMCA (9622)
sdelgadogray@ymcadallas.org