Greater Burlington YMCA -- [ School-Age Programs ]

Important 2007-2008 Information!!

Applications for those wanting to attend the 2007-2008 school year program will not be accepted after April 18th. If you need a 07-08 application, please contact the Greater Burlington YMCA.

All changes to enrollment and cancellations for the 2007-2008 school year must be done by the 20^th of May. No changes or cancellations will be permitted after this time.

2008-2009 SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS INFORMATION

The Greater Burlington YMCA offers year round, quality school age childcare programs serving youth in kindergarten through 8^th grade.

The Greater Burlington YMCA School Age programs started in 1985, serving approximately 30 children at two sites. The YMCA is now the largest school age care provider in the state with numerous programs in 4 different counties. We serve hundreds of children each day and have earned a reputation as the recognized leader in school age care.

The 2008-2009 parent handbook will be available on this web site by June 2^nd, 2008. If you would like one mailed to you please contact the Greater Burlington YMCA.

If you want to change your child's schedule or cancel enrollment, please click here.

Program Philosophy

The YMCA School-Age Program philosophy states that school-age children need a safe, stimulating environment after school where they can develop in a positive manner. Staff foster this development by offering age-appropriate activities that include social, physical, creative and emotional opportunities for growth. School-age children are an integral part of the curriculum planning and implementation and are empowered to make their own choices regarding how they spend the after school hours.

Our Goals

To be the best after-school program that we can be.
To help children develop to their fullest potential physically, intellectually and socially.
To deliver the program in a safe, fun, supportive, caring and positive environment.
To support and strengthen the family unit.

Program Staff

Qualified and experience staff foster positive development by offering developmentally appropriate activities to promote social, physical, creative, and emotional growth. While the State of Vermont mandates a 1:13 staff to child ratio, for quality reasons the Greater Burlington YMCA makes every attempt to maintain a 1:10 staff to child ratio.

Curriculum

Children are empowered to contribute to the range of activities offered and are empowered to make their own choices about how they spend their time in the program. An emphasis on character development is woven into each program with an emphasis on caring, honesty, responsibility, and respect. Each program also participates in a wellness program that involves monthly physical challenges for children (i.e. sit ups, push ups, etc.)

Program Details

Enrollment

Enrollment in all programs is available 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week. No one-day options are available. Enrollment is first-come, first-serve.

Program Offerings

Live Y'ers After School Program - This program is offered in 21 elementary schools throughout Chittenden, Washington, and Franklin, and Addison counties. A Live Y'er program at the downtown YMCA serves Burlington families as well. Live Y'ers provide care from the dismissal of school day until 6 p.m. each day. Activities offered include sports, arts and crafts, recreational games, outdoor play, baking, and more. Opportunities for homework and quiet activities are available as well. Special events and field trips-including guest artists, instructors, and community volunteers who visit the program from time to time to share their special skills and talents may also be part of the curriculum.

REGISTRATION BROCHURE DOWNLOADS

After Kindergarten & Live Y'ers Program (Offered only at Thatcher Brook Primary School and Ferrisburgh Central School) - The Greater Burlington YMCA is pleased to offer an after- kindergarten program at Thatcher Brook Primary School. This play-based program is designed to compliment the kindergarten hours by offering an extended day of care. Our developmental approach provides a blend of teacher-directed and self-directed learning experiences. Thematic units incorporating dramatic play, arts, stories, music, sand, water, outdoor play, and hands-on science will be offered in our exciting, activity centered classroom. Click here for the brochure.

Y Ventures Middle School Program at CHMS & BRMS - This program provides youths grades 5-8 who attend Camel�s Hump or Brown�s River Middle School. These programs are developmentally geared to older school age and middle school youth. Similar in activity options to Live Y�ers, this program puts more of an emphasis on enrichment opportunities that stress recreation, skill development and community involvement. Ample homework time is allotted as well. Y Ventures is designed for children to participate on a regular weekly basis or on a short term basis determined by activity options. Please use the Live Y�er registration form for Chittenden and Washington Counties for these programs. For more information you can contact Julie Peterson (jpeterson@gbymca.org) at the Greater Burlington YMCA.

Vacation Camp - This program provides full day care during vacation days throughout the school year. The program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is offered at the YMCA and selected schools housing Live Y'ers programs. For a registration form, click here.

Y'S & Shine Before School Program (Offered at Essex Elementary only)- Y's and Shine is offered weekday mornings from 7 a.m. until the start of the school day and offers children a low-key, supervised environment in which to spend their before school time. Children may choose from activities such as board games, quiet reading and homework time, Lego and block play, or just socializing with friends.

Click here for 2008-2009 registration rates and forms for the Y's & Shine at Essex Elementary School

Y'S Guys Summer Program - Y's Guys is a summer school age program offered at the YMCA, and some surrounding area schools. Y's Guys offers a full day care option from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in one week sessions offered throughout the summer. Y's Guys incorporates developmentally appropriate activities each day that include sports, recreation, arts and crafts, and much more. Field trips are an integral part of the program as are frequent excursions in and around the surrounding communities. For more information about our summer program, visit the Y's Guys page.