Child Care - Programs - YMCA of South Hampton Roads

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YMCA Child Care

Did you know the YMCA provides licensed child care for children ages 2 through 12? We are America's largest nonprofit child care provider, serving over 500,000 children per day! With a history of stability, safety and values, YMCA services extend through the community reaching children of varied ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. YMCA child care is available to all children, regardless of race, color, creed or nationality. Limited subsidy assistance is offered to those in need depending on funds and space availability.

You can feel confident knowing that your child is safe and well cared for by highly qualified staff. YMCA staff are CPR and First Aid certified. In addition, YMCA Child Care staff also attend 12 hours of training before working with your child; these trainings include Licensing, Child Development, Child Abuse Prevention and Programming. They are also required to participate in at least 16 hours of training throughout the school year. Character Development is incorporated in all YMCA Child Care programs; instilling Caring, Honestly, Respect, Responsibility and Faith in the tomorrow's leaders.

Click here for a list of schools we serve.

ChildWatch

This free service is a benefit for those with a YMCA family membership. A variety of activities keep children ages 6 weeks to 8 years entertained while parents' enjoy their workout. Offering a safe environment for children to enjoy, ChildWatch and KidZone hours correspond with several fitness classes and popular workout times. There is a daily two-hour limit for this service. Hours of operation vary at each YMCA Family Center; please check with your local YMCA.

Toddler Care

The early years, before a child's third birthday, are critical for securing attachments and healthy development. It is a time when the child must receive a firm foundation upon which to build the rest of his or her life. The YMCA's licensed Toddler Care program meets the developmental needs of the whole child, ages 24-35 months in an environment that is safe and comfortable. Children receive care in small groups with each adult only responsible for a few children so that quality staff-to-child interactions are achieved at all times.

Preschool

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads licensed Preschool provides children a developmentally appropriate program in a self-initiated, hands-on discovery environment that allows children to explore, examine, manipulate and discover while thinking independently and solving problems. We recognize that each child progresses through the same stages of development, but at his or her own rate. Our program gives us the flexibility to accommodate these different rates through the use of learning centers.

School-Age Child Care

The YMCA's primary goal of School-Age Child Care is to provide a quality, safe place for children to go after school so that parents have the freedom to work or study, knowing that their children's needs are being addressed. Children have talents and skills to develop, energy to use and huge reservoirs of creativity to explore. Our flexible schedule allows each child to freely choose what he or she wants to do during this out-of school time.

The YMCA also offers a fun-packed, full-day Holiday Camp on most days that school is closed. Additional fees are charged for activities during these days.

School-Age Curriculum

YPLANS, developed by the YMCA of Greater Richmond, the Peninsula YMCA and the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, is a curriculum resource for school-age child care professionals. The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is interested in delivering only quality Child Care. By helping staff develop their lesson plans through the use of this resource, we can ensure consistency and quality. With a monthly theme in place, daily activities are offered in the following areas:

Homework assistance and supervision
Arts and construction
Science and math
Cooking
Character development
Enrichment, music, drama
Recreational sports
Literacy and language
Games and fitness
Outside time
Snacks
Free time
S.P.A.R.K (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids)
KidzLit (a reading program that combines a relaxed and playful after-school work)
KidzMath (games that reinforce the math skills that are being taught in school)

KidzLit

KidzLit, also part of the School-Age curriculum, is a reading program that combines the relaxed and playful atmosphere of an after-school setting with a focus on learning that supports in-school work. It is a new approach to using children's literature to help children become better and more motivated readers, and improve their understanding of themselves and others. Benefits of KidzLit include:

Increased enjoyment of literature and the desire to read
Enhanced vocabulary
Greater ability to express ideas
Stronger relationships with peers and adults
Greater understanding of self and others
Stronger commitment to shared values

KidzMath

Math and Science are fascinating to young children. YMCA KidzMath gives youth an opportunity to play games that reinforce the math skills that are being taught in school. Science activities are also available so children can explore, experiment and discover!

S.P.A.R.K.

Building strong bodies is part of the YMCA’s history. Strong bodies live longer! Strong bodies have organs that are healthy and work better! Our After-School program incorporates S.P.A.R.K. (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids), a fun program addition dedicated to improving the quantity and quality of physical activity for children. This, combined with daily outdoor activities, gives school-age children the time and opportunity to exercise and strengthen their still-growing bodies. This is the YMCA’s contribution to countering our nation’s growing epidemic of childhood obesity.

School-Age Child Care can be located on-site at the YMCA, or at your child's school. See your local YMCA for more information.

Download the 2007 YMCA Child Care Guide for locations and prices.

The YMCA is committed to providing programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. If you and
your family need financial assistance in paying fees for YMCA programs or membership, just ask! Download
an Open Doors financial assistance application.