Helping kids learn, grow, and thrive.
The YMCA of Western North Carolina’s afterschool program provides developmentally appropriate activities that will enhance your child’s confidence, enrich their social and physical development, and encourage self-expression.
We encourage children to give input on what activities they would like to do. There’s a variety of individual and group activities, such as:
- Arts and crafts
- Cooking
- Go Green activities
- Group games
- Homework assistance
- Outside play
- Sports
- Team building
- Adventure
- Anti-bullying programs
- Obesity prevention
- Swimming
- Group exercise
Core curriculum components
Our afterschool childcare programs follow the YMCA of the USA School-Age Care Curriculum Framework, developed by Y-USA in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Providence and the National Institute of Out-of-School Time.
These are the curriculum areas that our staff use to plan activities:
- Arts and humanities
- Character development
- Cultural diversity
- Health, wellness, and fitness
- Homework support
- Literacy
- Science and technology
- Service learning
- Social competence and conflict resolution
Homework assistance and tutoring
Children get daily opportunities for homework time. Every family has different expectations of their child regarding homework. Therefore, we use a Homework Agreement form when needed. We ask that parents/guardians go over their expectations with their child and then sign the form. This ensures the child is clear on what you expect. Homework Agreement forms are available from the site director.
Professional staff
Our qualified and caring staff focus on nurturing the development of each child. No matter our age, we are students, too. Continuing education is required of all childcare staff to maintain certifications.
Counselors receive 40 hours of additional training in topics such as:
- conflict resolution
- child abuse prevention
- Stewards of Children national certification training
- diversity, equity, and inclusion
- program development
- group management
- anti-bullying
- team building
- developmental assets
Sample afterschool schedule
Each site has its own weekly lesson plan and daily schedule of activities posted. Here’s a typical schedule:
| Sample Afterschool Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 2:30-3pm | Sign-in and group time |
| 3-3:30pm | Snack and activity stations |
| 3:30-4pm | Outside time |
| 4:30-5:30pm | Homework/quiet activity time |
| 4:30-5:30pm | Activity stations/enrichment clubs |
| 5:30-6pm | Group games/activities |
| 6pm | Pickup |