ABOUT YMCA AFTERSCHOOL

YMCA Afterschool is a place where your child can learn while having fun with friends in a safe and nurturing environment. With values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility as our guide, we work with every child to help them realize their true potential.

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.

At the Y, we create a nurturing environment where children can develop socially and participate in activities that complement their learning and academic achievement. For example, cooking projects help to teach fractions and journal writing helps to develop writing skills and promotes self-expression.

All our after school 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.

Affordable Care & Financial Assistance

The registration and weekly enrollment fee may vary by district and/or school. Click here to determine the fees for your child’s school.

While we try to make our after school program affordable for everyone, we understand that cost may be a barrier for some families and encourage you to apply for financial assistance if that is the case. Click here to download the application and begin the process.

PART-TIME AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Part-time care, 1 to 2 days a week, is available in the following districts: Celina, Coppell, Frisco, and Prosper. It's also available at the following Dallas area schools: Ann Frank Elementary, Kramer Elementary, and The Lamplighter School.

To register for part-time care, please download the Enrollment Packet and submit to your local YMCA or School Age Services office at 1621 W. Walnut Hill Ln., Irving, TX 75038 or fax to 972-560-3838, Attn: AFTERSCHOOL CARE.

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 local 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. Click here to find out if we have a program at your child's school.

A DAY AT YMCA AFTER SCHOOL

• After the final bell rings, your child will join us in the YMCA Afterschool program. We begin the transition from school to YMCA Afterschool with a healthy snack and 15-20 minutes of social time with their friends.
  
  
• After snack time, participants engage in 30 minutes of outdoor/indoor physical activity.
  
  
• Once they’ve released some energy, it is homework time. The older participants join counselors, homework volunteers or Teacher Tutors in a quiet location to begin homework or other academic activities. The younger kids engage in structured games as well as activities to learn about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating. After 30 minutes of this, they have 30 minutes of dedicated homework time.
  
  
• All the kids then decide between several Special Interest Centers that allow small groups of students to participate in activities of their choice. The interest categories include Science Lab, Creative Crafts, Arts and Humanities activities,
  KidzLit
  and
  CATCH
  Kids Club,
  KidzMath™
  games, Active play zone, Imagination Station, drama,
  Book Nook
  and more.

GET INVOLVED       

• Join a Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Parents and YMCA staff come together to share ideas and suggestions regarding program content and quality, enrichment programs and other items of interest.


• You are also invited to become a part of the YMCA annual Partners Campaign, where parents and other volunteers help raise money to provide scholarships for families who would not otherwise be able to participate in our programs.