YMCA School Age Programs
At the YMCA we provide school age enrichment programs in more than 40 locations through out the area. In our programs, children are encouraged to make their own choices from a variety of activities. Those activities helps kids grow as a whole person – artistically, physically, socially, mentally and personally. For information about Locations and Rates or Registration.
Account Information
There are many things that you can do online if you use our online system. You can make a payment, get a receipt, check your balance and more. Account Information
If you are not in our system please provide your email by Signing Up Online. Once we have entered your email (give us three to five business days) you will receive your Login ID and PIN.
School Age Overview
Philosophy and Mission
At the root of our 150 year-old organization is our mission statement: To put the Christian principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Often we are asked, "What does the YMCA consider as Christian principles?" They are defined as the five values of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service. These values are reflected in our programs, activities and staff.
YMCA Goals
- To support and strengthen the family unit
- To help children develop to their fullest potential through developmentally appropriate activities
- To deliver the program in a positive YMCA environment of safety, support and care
- To appreciate the diversity of the families and staff within the program and the community at large
- To grow children to become our future leaders and supporters
- To develop new skills through self directed choices
- To have fun
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Billing and Account Information
If you currently participate in a Y school age program you can access your account online. While Online you can view your account information, make payments and print receipts.
Staff
Program quality starts with great staff. Just like at your place of business, matching the position with staff who possess the right aptitude, knowledge and abilities makes the experience for your child and yourself a positive one.
Research has shown that a critical asset every child needs to succeed is the support of non-parent adults. Like you, the parent, our site staff are perceived as role models by your child. As such, the YMCA spends countless resources in making sure that the relationship your child has with their caregiver is one that will pay out benefits over a lifetime.
All Site Staff
While we follow State staff/child ratio guidelines, class sizes are often smaller than required.
- Receive continuous education and training
- Complete CPR and first aid certifications
- Undergo a background and criminal history check
- Are held to high YMCA standard of conduct
- Meet State Child Care Licensing standards, i.e., (previous) experience within licensed child care setting, or child recreation (program)
Staff Profiles
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What Happens at YMCA School Age?
Do you remember what play was like when you were a kid? Games and activities were determined by the kids, adults were around when you needed them, and the emphasis was on fun with learning and growing the result.
Experienced and caring staff set up just this type of environment where youth are encouraged to make their own choices within a variety of activities.
Sports
Crafts
Homework time |
Games
Nature
Snack time |
Science
Drama
Special events |
A typical day at the YMCA may include time to work on your homework, a snack in the morning and afternoon, arts and crafts, group games, and time to play your favorite board games or Knex/Legos with friends.
Many of the schools that we are in offer after school Enrichment Programs. For the safety of your child(ren), the YMCA asks that if your child is going to participate in an Enrichment class that you please provide a schedule to the Site Staff and we ask that the children please check in with Staff before going to Enrichment classes.
Reflected in each of these activities and staff are the YMCA values of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service.
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Volunteer Opportunities
As a membership organization, the YMCA views our efforts differently than many "service" organizations. Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities is not something we do alone. To be effective we work with members (that's you). When opportunities arise, whether they be volunteering on a field trip, in the classroom, on a Parent Advisory Committee or on our Community Support Campaign, please consider how you might make a positive difference within the life of your child, your family and your community. Volunteer
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Focus on the Family
No matter how many hours children spend in child care, family is still the most important structure in their lives. YMCA Child Care programs are most effective at building strong kids when we work with the whole family, rather than addressing your child’s developmental needs alone. With this in mind, the YMCA offers the following incentives to our child care programs in order to support the family:
- YMCA Health and Fitness Facility Fee Reduction of 75% – 25% for Y Child Care program members
- YMCA Camp Collins, with a 50% rate reduction on a one week stay
- YMCA Youth Sports
- Family nights sponsored by your child's site
- Family outing opportunities with reduced fees including past activities Portland Rockies, Portland Fire, PSU football games and Disney on Ice
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Convenient Year Round Care
In order to best meet the needs of our families, we offer full and part time options that include the following.
- a.m. or p.m.or combination options
- Extended Kindergarten care at some locations
- Monthly rates
- All day care available on in-service and early dismissal days
- Summer day camps, winter and spring break program options
Options
Level 3/Basic – Includes before and after care only when school is in session for a full day.
Level 2/School Year – Includes before and after care for all days school is in session, including in-service days, late starts and early dismissals.
Level 1/Year Round –This program provides care 5 days per week, 12 months a year, which includes: In-service days, Winter Break, Spring Break and Summer Day Camp. Fees are calculated on a level pay program and results in a significant annual savings.
