Ensuring A Brighter Future. Available for ages 5 through 12 years old
The YMCA’s Before and After School Program serves school age children 5-12 years old in over 50 branch and school locations throughout Rochester, New York. Many programs take place in schools, providing an ideal situation for parent pickup and school day transitions. Busing and financial aid are available and DSS is accepted. Our program aligns with the school day and supports growth in literacy, math, and science. The Y’s innovative Before and After School Program follows the Nine Core Components curriculum centered around global learning, leadership development, 21st century skills, media, and technology.
At the YMCA of Greater Rochester, our innovative before and after school programs are centered around nine research-based core components.
TUTORING AND MENTORING
Students have the opportunity to work one-on- one or in small group settings to hone their skills in math, literacy, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) skills. Opportunities to explore peer-to-peer and youth-to-adult mentoring are also available.
COLLEGE AND CAREER EXPLORATION
We know that it is vitally important for the youth of all ages to explore the interests and talents that allow them to be successful. Youth in our programs interact with college and university volunteers and interns; plan for the future, and attend local events at colleges and universities.
21ST CENTURY SKILLS
Youth learn how to be 21st century citizens through group work; conflict resolution; life and career skills; learning and innovation skills; and information, media, and technology skills.
SERVICE LEARNING
Whether they are participating in a canned food drive or cleaning up their communities, youth in our programs have the opportunity to “give back.” They participate in ongoing projects to create positive, lasting change. Youth explore local community resources including local libraries, museums, planetariums, nature centers, and parks.
ARTS EDUCATION
Youth explore drama, photography, drawing, painting, music, and creative writing through a variety of approaches and materials. By valuing process over product, youth in our programs learn about problem-solving and creative risk-taking in supportive environments.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Youth in our programs have the opportunity to be leaders at the Y and in their community. Writing, speaking, presentation, and conflict resolution skills are developed.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Youth enjoy at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily through the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) curriculum and participation in sports. Youth also enjoy a healthy snack and learn the importance of good nutrition.
GLOBAL LEARNING
Through interaction with international foods and music and studies of foreign language and culture, our programs create global citizens. Youth in our programs learn to value all perspectives.
PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Parent newsletters and family art and cooking events ensure that we regularly invite parents into our programs.
The YMCA of Greater Rochester makes program excellence, enrichment, and your child’s safety our priorities. Quality school age programs don’t just happen, they are the result of careful curricular planning and creative efforts on the part of YMCA staff members. It takes comprehensive staff development to give personnel the knowledge to provide our quality programs. As providers, our goals are to deliver a positive and rewarding experience for every child and to exceed your family’s expectations. Our licensed and registered Child Care programs proudly serve youth in multiple locations throughout Rochester, New York. Book your child’s birthday party at the Y. There are tons of party options to choose from at each branch and several outdoor locations. To learn more, visit our birthday parties page.
What is 21st Century Learning?
You may have heard that 21st Century Learning is one of our nine, research-based core components for before and afterschool programs. But what, exactly, are 21st Century skills? These skills are part of the skills, knowledge, and expertise that youth must master to succeed in work and in life. In addition to knowledge in core content areas including math, science, literacy, and history, students must also develop skills in the key areas of:
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Creativity
Skills in these areas will truly allow students to succeed in a global economy and be prepared to work in 21st Century teams and workplaces. Click here to read more about the importance of 21st Century skills.
