Great South Bay YMCA Updates After-School Program

The Before and After School programs at Great South Bay YMCA are designed to ensure working parents that their children are safe and having fun.

By Jacqueline Neber October 1, 2019

Last month, homework help, an arts curriculum, and inclusion were added to the after-school care program at Great South Bay YMCA. Students attending the Before and After School programs for Bay Shore and Massapequa school districts can now receive homework help and tutoring and participate in arts programs in addition to existing activities in STEAM, various kids' clubs, the rock wall, and more. Children with disabilities will be given extra support during homework help.

This year, the Y will incorporate extra support staff for Bay Shore students with special needs, a move inspired by the success of the Y's inclusive summer camp. Tutoring during the after-school program for Bay Shore and Massapequa students is also new, as well as an article curriculum kids can participate in after finishing their homework.

STEAM activities, a special physical activity curriculum called CATCH, and Kids Clubs that change monthly are other opportunities for students to have fun after their work is done. Some Kids Club themes include art, computers, or gym. Kids can pick which club they’d like to join for the day.

“It’s a great program for working parents. Our main goal is to making sure kids are having fun and are safe as well,” say Melanie Schiavone, the school age child care director at the Y, and Cathy McKenna, the school age child care director in Massapequa.

Open enrollment for the after-school program at Great South Bay Y is offered for Bay Shore kids. Massapequa district families must enter a lottery to win an after-school slot in their schools. The YMCA also offers before-school programming at the Y and in Massapequa schools where kids in kindergarten through sixth grade can eat breakfast and participate in activities such as arts and crafts, computer time, or gym time. The before-school program runs from 7am to when kids need to leave for or start school.

For more information regarding the Before and After School programs at Great South Bay YMCA, visit the YMCA Long Island website.

Main image courtesy Great South Bay YMCA