As the back-to-school season is upon us, many parents are looking for ways to support their kids outside of school hours. The YMCA After-School Program provides a safe, fun, and enriching environment for students. The program offers a variety of activities that promote learning, creativity, and healthy living, all designed to complement the school day.
We recently chatted with Marissa Zinni, our Community Impact Director, to learn more about what makes the Y’s After-School Program such a fantastic resource for your child’s growth and development throughout the year.
Q: What are the core goals and objectives of the YMCA afterschool program?
A: The YMCA has always been committed to supporting families. We understand that today’s working parents need help balancing work and family life, and nothing is more important than providing high-quality child care.
Q: What makes the YMCA afterschool program the place to be?
A: We are dedicated to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for our participants, reassuring parents that their child is secure and having a great time. At the YMCA, we strive to be more than just a fitness facility; we are committed to positively impacting the community and nurturing the next generation to become compassionate, respectful, and accountable leaders.
Q: What does a typical day look like in the YMCA afterschool program?
A: When students arrive, we provide them with a yummy and nutritious snack. Then, we have an hour dedicated to homework time, and our awesome counselors are always available to help students if needed. Our program has many fun activities, including KidzLit, STEM, Family Time, Crafts, Social Emotional Learning, Games, and more! To wrap up the day, we have a free choice time for the last thirty minutes while parents arrive.
Q: What qualifications and experiences do you seek in staff members for the afterschool program?
A: We welcome staff members who embrace our core values of respect, responsibility, caring, and honesty. We seek out individuals with a demonstrated passion for working with children, whether through babysitting, children’s church, volunteering with youth programming, or other similar experiences. We are grateful to have several after-school counselors on our team who were once after-school participants and have chosen to return as role models. Their firsthand experience adds a special touch to their roles, making them even more fulfilling.
Q: What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of children participating in the program?
A: We ensure that background checks are conducted, references are contacted, and all our staff are certified in CPR and First Aid. Our team also undergoes comprehensive online and in-person training to guarantee their preparedness. For our programs in schools, stringent safety measures are in place to maintain a secure and monitored environment. Our staff are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with parents, and our site directors diligently verify IDs daily to familiarize themselves with all parents and guardians.
Q: What schools is the YMCA afterschool program offered through?
A: The Twin Rivers YMCA offers after-school care for the 2024 – 2025 School Year at the following locations:
**Each site must have a minimum of 12 students registered to be opened.
Arapahoe Charter School (at Twin Rivers YMCA)
Bangert Elementary, Ben D Quinn Elementary
Bridgeton Elementary
Brinson Elementary
Creekside Elementary
Riverside Leadership Academy
Temple Christian Academy (at Twin Rivers YMCA)
Trent Park Elementary
Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary
WJ Gurganus Elementary
Q: How can interested families enroll their children in the afterschool program?
A: Families can enroll their children in our after-school program by visiting ecymca.org/after-school. Financial Assistance available if needed.
More questions? Contact us by emailing: afterschool@trymca.org
