Duneland Y School Age Child Care Registration Opens August 4, 2015

Duneland_Y_School_Age_Child_Care_Registr-1Providing youth with opportunities to continue to learn and engage in meaningful activities before the start of school, and at the end of the school day can boost their academic success. To help motivate and inspire kids to learn, the Duneland Family YMCA is offering a before and after school program to school-aged children throughout Duneland School Corp. district. The Y's School Age Child Care program combines academics with play and offers a caring and safe environment for youth who would otherwise be left unsupervised. Studies show that participation in before and after school care programs help boost school attendance and academic performance.

"The combination of enrichment and extended learning opportunities is essential to increasing children's success in school," said Sally Gabric, School Age Child Care Coordinator at the Y. "YMCA School Age Child Care programs promote a love for learning, social and emotional development, healthy choices, character and creativity, and provide children with an extra support system through positive role models to help them achieve their full potential."

In the Duneland Family YMCA's School Age Child Care program youth receive help with homework, tutoring on tough subjects and can also explore arts, music, literacy and more. Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.

"This year we're pleased to be able to offer school aged child care participants more enrichment through STEM based learning programs that focus on educational development in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math," said Gabric. STEM education will be available at all six locations, and all participating grade levels, K-5. The Y's STEM based learning programs have been made possible by a grant received from ArcelorMittal.

Registration for Duneland Family YMCA School Age Child Care programs will be held at all Duneland elementary schools when you go to register your child for the 2015-2016 school year, or at the Duneland Y Front Desk. Duneland School registration is available August 4th from 1:00-4:00pm and 5:30-7:30pm and on August 5th from 1:00-3:00pm and 5:30-7:30pm. Look for the Duneland Family YMCA tables.

All participants will need to complete a registration packet. Registration packets are available online at www.dunelandymca.org, at the Early Learning Facility or at the main Y's Front Desk. Returning participants will need to provide updated information for each child in the program. Payments for child care programs are drafted weekly using the Y's electronic payment system. When registering your child, please bring your bank account information and a valid driver's license to complete the process.