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Kids’ Time Before & After School Program

What Our Before & After School Program Offers

At the YMCA of Rock River Valley, our Kids’ Time Before & After School Programs are designed to provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment for your child. At our program, we believe in the importance of fostering character building as well as early education development in children. That’s why we offer a wide range of activities that are not only fun and engaging, but also help children build important skills and values.

Activities and Character Development

Our games are designed to teach teamwork, sportsmanship, and problem-solving skills. Through friendly competition and cooperation, children learn how to work together and support each other in before school care and after.

Arts and crafts activities allow children to express their creativity and imagination. They learn to think outside the box, experiment with different materials, and develop their fine motor skills.

STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills providing quality education. They learn how to approach challenges logically, think analytically, and apply scientific principles to real-world situations.

Learning Support & Enrichment

Our program offers a supportive environment where children can engage in activities that foster learning, creativity, and character development. We provide opportunities for literacy enrichment and quiet time for independent study, balanced with recreational activities that support academic and personal growth. Our well-rounded approach ensures that each child can thrive in a supportive and nurturing setting. Our staff is CPR and First Aid certified, prioritizing your child’s safety at all times. Additionally, we provide inclusive support for children with disabilities and financial assistance programs, making our learning centers accessible and welcoming to all.

Financial Assistance Options

At the YMCA, we make access to safe and reliable child care our priority. We believe that no one should be denied access to YMCA child care programs based on the ability to pay. The YMCA of Rock River Valley offers a variety of child care financial aid options to suit your family.

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Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Available through IDHS, CCAP offers financial support for child care and camp programs to grown-ups who are working or in school. Whether you’re new to this income-based program, or already approved, we’re here to help navigate the process!

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Y Scholarships

YMCA Scholarships, made possible by community generosity, ensure all families can comfortably afford child care, regardless of income level. Submit your request early, as awards are on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Flexible Payment Plans

Tailored to fit your budget, we offer weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly plans. Choose the amount and frequency that works best for your family, ensuring affordability and ease in managing your child care fees.

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Become a Y Member & Save

Join the Y family for maximum savings! Enjoy discounts on camp, after-school programs, swim lessons, sports and more. Financial assistance for membership is available. Click here to learn more about YMCA membership.

Request Financial Assistance Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of the program?

Our Kids’ Time Before School program begins at 6:45 AM and continues until school starts. The After School program runs from the time school ends until 5:30 PM.

What if I am late picking up my child?

If you’re running late, you can contact the Kids’ Time staff at your site using the provided phone numbers. If your child is not picked up by 5:30 PM, we will attempt to contact all the individuals listed on the child’s health form. A $1 per minute late fee, starting after 5:35 PM (following a 5-minute grace period), will be added to your next bill. In cases where an authorized pickup cannot be reached, local authorities may be contacted.

What if my child needs to be given medication?

Medications to be administered in the program must be authorized by a parent/guardian in the child’s profile. Prescribed medication must be given to staff in its original container with the prescription label/directions attached.

How do I add, remove, or edit authorized pick-ups?

You can add, remove, or edit an authorized pick-up person by visiting your YMCA account and updating your child’s profile. Once logged in, click on your child’s name to access your child’s profile and authorized pick-up list. If you have questions, email kt@rockriverymca.org.