Before and After School Programs!

School is right around the corner . . .

SIGN UP FOR SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS NOW!

Contact your local School Age Program office to sign up.

Pinellas County School Age Programs

(727) 467-9622

Hernando County School Age Programs

(352) 686-9622

Pasco County School Age Programs

(727) 375-9622

Work Without Worry

For the times you can't be there yourself, the YMCA supports your efforts to nurture your child's healthy development. Well-trained staff provide safe, affordable, high-quality programs so you can have peace of mind while you work to help your family succeed.

Age-Appropriate Experiences

YMCA School Age programs make sure that the time gaps before and after school are filled creatively and constructively. Kids have the chance to express their talents in the arts, sports and other areas of interest, taking advantage of all the Y has to offer.

Enrichment programs are available at your school site through the YMCA please ask for details. Kids find out what success is all about, with an approach that says everybody plays everybody wins. Time is set aside for tackling homework, with adult help available. YMCA staff knows how to challenge children and listen to them.

Focus on the Family

No matter how many hours children spend in School Age programs, family is the most important structure in their lives. At the YMCA, good child care is good family care .

A Commitment to Children's Safety and Protection
The YMCA was one of the first national organizations to take a stand in the critical area of child abuse prevention. When parents drop off their children at a YMCA, they're entrusting that YMCA with their greatest treasures. YMCAs take that responsibility very seriously.

The YMCA encourages parents to visit any time and would like to solicit your input and full involvement in ensuring the safety of all children in Y programs.

* Nearly 50 percent of children in YMCA School Age programs come from families whose annual income is less than $25,000 a year.

* About 40 percent of children in YMCA School Age programs come from single-parent homes * YMCA School Age programs are affordable to the members of the community, and those who cannot afford it are given financial assistance when possible

* YMCA School Age programs help children grow physically, mentally and spiritually. YMCA programs include character development, international education, health and fitness, environmental awareness, school readiness, diversity and community service

* YMCA School Age programs support families through community collaborations with other social service agencies - providing additional support for children and their families

* YMCA School Age programs support parents through regular activities and opportunities for parental involvement

* YMCAs are dedicated to developing and maintaining quality School Age staff. YMCA School Age programs staff regularly pursue ongoing professional development training as a requirement of their positions

* More than one in 10 children in school-age care are in a YMCA School Age program

* Nationwide, the median fees for YMCA School Age programs are typically 30 percent lower than the national average

* More than 90 percent of YMCAs reported that their programs use the YMCA Child Care Quality Check or other nationally recognized assessment tools to monitor and evaluate quality

* Eighty-four percent of YMCA school-age programs are located in schools. Many YMCAs receive support from local schools and school boards

The Developmental Assets

The YMCA of the Suncoast has served children and families in our communities for over 50 years, providing mission-driven programs and quality services that help people grow in spirit, mind, and body.  We believe in promoting positive youth development, and all of our programs strive to build and develop assets that benefit youth throughout life.  With guidance from The Search Institute's asset-building framework, our approach is a proactive, vision-building perspective that views youth as resources and promotes the caring potential of all those involved with a child's life.  The developmental assets are core building blocks: positive skills, experiences and opportunities that help youth become caring, confident adults.

The following developmental assets are like nutrients for optimal development.  Just like nutrients found in foods are needed for healthy bodies, positive assets in youth make a big difference in the quality and direction of their lives.  The YMCA of the Suncoast is focusing on the following developmental assets:

Other Adult Relationships - Youth have support from at least one staff or volunteer (other than parents).

Community Values Children - staff and volunteers show they value and appreciate youth.

Children are Given Useful Roles - Youth are encouraged to engage in helpful age-appropriate tasks.

Safety - Youth feel safe while at the YMCA.

Adult Role Models - YMCA staff and volunteers model positive, responsible behavior.

High Expectations - Encourage youth to do well.

Youth programs - Young person spends time each week in sports, clubs, or other activities at the Y.

Caring - We create an environment where caring and helping other people is valued and important.

Honesty - In all of our interactions, it's important to tell the truth, even when it's not easy.

Responsibility - Staff and volunteers model positive, responsible behavior .

Interpersonal Competence - Youth respect others and have empathy, sensitivity and friendship skills.

Resistance Skills - youth are encouraged to resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.

For more information, visit www.search-institute.org.

Visit Your Local School Age Office!

For more information on YMCA of the Suncoast School Age Programs (SAP) in your area, click on the location nearest you: