Parents of children entering kindergarten through sixth grade are eligible to receive care through the YMCA Younger Years Child Care program.  The program is fully licensed and operates from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the YMCA.

Children in the program will receive a healthy snack, physical activity, gym time, homework assistance, swimming, a values and character program, and use of the YMCA while supervised by licensed and certified staff.

Before & After School Care will be held at the Clarion County YMCA all 180 days of school, during school days off, snow days and vacation days.

Registration for the program is available through July 30.  Limited space is available for up to age 12.

“This is a great opportunity for older children to receive care before and after school,” said Michelle Miller, YMCA Child Care Director.  “We currently have two schools providing bus transportation to and from the YMCA in the morning and afternoon, but those spots are very limited and arrangements must be made by July 30.”

Clarion Area School District and Clarion-Limestone School District have agreed to provide bus transportation for the program.  Seats on those buses are limited.  Registration must be complete by July 30 to arrange transportation with the school districts.

YMCA Child Care Staff provide activities focused on academic enhancement, character, social growth and physical activity.  Children connect with others to build lasting relationships, develop a sense of belonging, and cultivate a strong character.

“There is a great need for school-age child care in Clarion County,” said Jesse Kelley, Clarion YMCA Branch Director. “We can fill that need and provide valuable activities that will allow kids to stay active and have fun.”

The YMCA is planning for a full Before and After School Program.

“The community showed us there was a need for quality child care,” said Kelley.  “We provide so much more than child care.  It warms my heart to see the children receiving such an enriching program that allows them to utilize our gymnasium and pool throughout the week.”

The YMCA Younger Years Child Care Center provides more than child care.  YMCA teachers care about children and provide a nurturing environment centered in Christian values.  The center, which includes care for infants to preschoolers has been full since opening the new YMCA facility in February.  

“We anticipate the same need for Before and After School Care,”  Kelley noted.

Pricing and enrollment forms for the YMCA Before and After School Program can be found on the YMCA website www.clarioncountyymca.org/before-after-school-care or by calling the center Director, Michelle Miller at 814-764-5314.

About the YMCA