Tips for making a decision

As the school year begins, it’s time to decide how your kids will spend their time before and after school. Fortunately, most communities offer plenty of healthy and fun activities that engage young minds and build new skills.  For families that need consistent and reliable care, before- and after-school programs are often a good solution. Finding the right one can help your children develop confidence, make new friends, and build a life-long love of learning. Use these tips to make the right choice for your family.

YMCA Middle School programs

Safety first. The place where your children spend time before and after school should cater to their physical and emotional security. Make sure the facilities are set up to monitor kids at all times. Ask about the process for checking kids and teens in and out each day.  Look around to confirm the area is kept clean and meet the staff to get a sense of how they interact with participants.

Healthy options. Your after-school program will give kids the chance to release their pent up school-day energy. Ask about the indoor and outdoor activities that will keep them busy. Does the facility have the right sports equipment to support fun and safety? Are activities age-appropriate? Also look for healthy after-school snack options that your kids will enjoy.  For example, the Y has adopted a set of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards (HEPA) standards as part of our before- and after-school care programs.

Flexible hours. Juggling work and family can be challenging. Look for a childcare program that can help you manage the burden. Some programs, such as those at YMCA of the Suncoast, offer before-school and after-school options, as well as coverage during common school holidays. You may also want a program that allows part-time or flexible attendance so you pay for only the coverage you need.

Skill building. Look for age-appropriate activities that will help your children develop needed skills. Depending on their ages, you may want them to have opportunities to build both teamwork and leadership skills, as well as to boost their physical abilities by using large muscle and fine motor skills. Most children respond well to structured environments that balance set routines with the chance to express creativity. Programs that offer a chance to interact with adults can help kids refine their communication skills.

School support. Depending on how old your children are, you may want an after-school care program that reinforces what they’re doing in their classrooms during the day. This might mean looking for a program that offers kids opportunities for STEAM activities and to read aloud, get homework support, or take part in music, dance and drama activities. 

The Y's before- and after-school childcare programsbefore- and after-school childcare programs are provided for kids from preschool through eighth grade. Our staff oversees healthy activities that focus on the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Check out our programs in Citrus County, Hernando County and Pinellas and Pasco Counties