At the Y, we believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.  That’s why, through the Y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.  Within our offerings for youth, our childcare programs promise a safe, nurturing environment for children to learn, grow and develop social skills.  Kids’ Club, the Kosciusko Community YMCA’s Before and After School Child Care Program, gives kids the opportunity to make friends, have fun, and get active all within the comfort and convenience of their own elementary school.

Nationwide, one in four students is unsupervised between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m.  Youth who attend afterschool are known to perform better academically and develop skills such as self-regulation, communication, problem solving, team building, negotiation and critical thinking. (Afterschool Alliance, “Afterschool Programs: Making a Difference in America’s Communities by Improving Academic Achievement, Keeping Kids Safe and Helping Working Families” 2009 April).  Afterschool programming at the Y provides children and teens with a safe and nurturing environment around caring adult role models. Combining play with academics, the Y’s afterschool program promotes creativity, a love for learning, social and emotional development, and character building. It also fills gaps in schools and in communities by offering enrichment through arts, music, physical education, sports and nutrition. Outside the public school system, the Y is the largest non-profit provider of afterschool programs.
Claypool, Eisenhower, Harrison, Jefferson, Leesburg, Lincoln, Madison and Washington Elementary Schools all host Kids’ Club sites from 6:00 a.m. until school starts and again after school to 6:00 p.m., depending on participant need.  More than just babysitting, Kids’ Club has a curriculum involving arts, humanities, health, science, and conflict resolution.  Time is also scheduled for homework and the Kids’ Club Caregivers are there to help.  There is also plenty of time for fun with group games and activities. 

New this year, Kids’ Club, with the help of the K21 Health Foundation, will implement the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Program.  CATCH is an evidence-based program that has been adopted by many Ys across the US.  CATCH is fun and encourages participation in over 300 non-elimination games and 32 nutrition activities that help children make healthy choices.  Along with the CATCH program, children will be encouraged to be active for 60 minutes per day.  As a result of the CATCH program we hope to develop children who can make positive lifestyle choices, who are more active and who can bring a contagious love of health and wellness back to their families. 

The YMCA provides financial assistance for those who qualify.  Please apply 3 weeks in advance.  We want to make sure that your children can be involved in a program that will benefit their character and educational development, instead of staying home alone.

Kids' Club Parent Pack 2011-2012

Kids' Club Registration Form 2011-2012

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