Registration opens on May 1, 2025! Secure your spot for enriching after-school care at the Knowles YMCA.
Are you seeking a dynamic and engaging after-school program for your child? The Y Care After School Program is designed for families with children in grades K-5, providing a safe, structured, and fun environment right after the school day ends. At Y Care, we understand the importance of these crucial hours and strive to make them as beneficial and enjoyable as possible for your school-age child.
What is the Y Care After School Program?
The Y Care After School Program is more than just childcare; it’s an enriching experience. We offer a diverse range of inclusive activities tailored to keep your child entertained and stimulated while reinforcing positive character development. Our curriculum is built around the principle of learning through active play, ensuring children are not only having fun but are also continuously learning and growing.
As a state-licensed childcare program, Y Care adheres to strict safety and quality standards, maintaining a 16:1 child-to-staff ratio. This ensures personalized attention and a secure environment for every child in our care. Each afternoon at Y Care is filled with choices. Children can participate in a variety of activities, from physical education to unleash their energy, to creative crafts sessions that spark imagination, and much more. To keep energy levels up, we also provide a nutritious afternoon snack accompanied by milk. Our after-school session runs from school dismissal until 5:30 p.m., perfectly bridging the gap between school and home.
Why Choose Y Care for Your After School Needs?
Choosing the right after-school program is a significant decision for parents. Y Care After School Program stands out for several compelling reasons:
- Fun and Engaging Activities: We offer a wide array of activities to cater to diverse interests, ensuring every child finds something they love.
- Focus on Character Development: Our program intentionally integrates character-building activities, helping children develop valuable life skills and positive values.
- Safe and Licensed Environment: As a state-licensed program with a low child-to-staff ratio, safety and supervision are our top priorities, giving you peace of mind.
- Convenient and Reliable: Located at multiple schools and the Knowles YMCA, Y Care provides accessible and consistent care you can depend on.
- Nutritious Snacks: We provide a healthy afternoon snack to keep children energized and focused throughout the afternoon.
Easy Registration for Y Care
Registering for the Y Care After School Program is straightforward. We invite you to register in person at the Knowles Welcome Center located on Stadium Blvd. Registration for the upcoming year opens on May 1, 2025, so mark your calendars! Spaces in the Y Care program are limited, so early registration is encouraged to avoid disappointment.
Please note that Y Care follows the Jefferson City School District schedule. The program is not in session when school is dismissed due to inclement weather or on early release days. Similarly, Y-Club is not in session when JCSD has a late start, ensuring alignment with school operations for the safety and convenience of our families.
Affordable Y Care Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
We believe that quality after-school care should be accessible to all families. Y Care After School Program offers competitive monthly fees:
- YMCA Members: $160 per month
- Non-Members: $190 per month
A non-refundable $30 registration fee is required at the time of enrollment. For August, the fees are pro-rated at $80 for members and $95 for non-members, with August being the only prorated month. Fees are conveniently drafted on the first of each month, starting August 1st.
We also offer a discount for school staff! Jefferson City School District and Blair Oaks School District staff are eligible for a 20% discount on Y Care fees.
Furthermore, the YMCA is committed to serving the community by offering Outreach Scholarships to families who qualify. If you are interested in financial assistance, we encourage you to Download an Outreach Scholarship application here to see if you are eligible.
Y Care Locations Near You
Y Care After School Program is conveniently offered at multiple locations, making it easy to find a program near your child’s school:
- Belair
- Cedar Hill
- Lawson
- Moreau Heights
- Thorpe Gordon (YMCA provides transportation to Knowles Y)
- West
- North
- Pioneer Trail
- South (YMCA provides transportation to Knowles Y)
- Blair Oaks
Important Information for Y Care Parents
To ensure a smooth and safe experience for all children, please note the following important points:
- Parental Permission is Required: Parents must provide the school with explicit permission to release their children to Y Care. The YMCA cannot take a child from school to Y Care without this prior authorization.
- Immunization Records: Parents are responsible for providing the YMCA with a current copy of their child’s immunization record to comply with licensing requirements and ensure the health and safety of all participants.
We look forward to welcoming your child to the Y Care After School Program! For any questions or further information, please contact the Knowles YMCA.
