YMCA After School: Supporting the Healthy Development of Kids

School Starts August 25th

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- According to the U.S. Department of Education, after school programs are not just a way to assure the physical safety of our children once school is out for the day. Quality programs can provide engaging environments that also inspire learning. Researchers have found that the most effective programs combine academic, enrichment, cultural and recreational activities, in addition to meeting the specific needs of the communities they serve.

The U.S. Department of Education suggests that high-quality after school programs include the following characteristics:

• Goal setting and strong management
• Quality after school staffing
• Low staff/student ratio
• Attention to safety, health and nutrition issues
• Effective partnerships with community based organizations
• Strong involvement of families
• Coordinating learning with the regular school day
• Link between school-day teachers and after school personnel
• Evaluation of the program’s progress and effectiveness

After school programs at your YMCA integrate these characteristics to foster every child’s growth, development and learning.

A recent report commissioned by the YMCA of the USA, Dartmouth Medical School and the Institute for American Values provides scientific proof that what YMCAs do in afterschool and other programs is important and successful for kids and their families. The findings of “Hardwired to Connect: The Scientific Case for Authoritative Communities” show that surrounding our kids with rich networks of nurturing relationships not only helps them thrive, but has been shown to genetically protect them for developing emotional disorders like depression, anxiety or substance abuse.

Quality After School care benefits everyone. Every $1 invested in quality childcare and education saves $7 in later social cost. In Texas, only 20% of children in grades K – 8 participate in before and after school programs. The gap between parents’ work schedule and children’s school schedule amounts to as many as 25 hours per week. Research shows that school age children and teens who are unsupervised during after school hours are more likely to:

• Use alcohol, drugs and tobacco
• Engage in criminal and other high-risk behaviors
• Perform poorly in school
• Display increased behavior problems
• Drop out of school more often

The YMCA After School programs, licensed by the State of Texas, provide a curriculum focused on education, leadership and character development ensuring that each child’s time after school is occupied creatively and constructively. These programs help children grow physically, mentally and spiritually while emphasizing and modeling character development values such as caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. Children get involved in a variety of learning centers in addition to program components which include recreation, health enhancement, nutritional snacks, service learning, homework assistance, character development and arts & humanities.

Offered in partnership with Conroe ISD, after school care is available from school dismissal until 6:30 p.m. at most elementary schools in Montgomery County. For more information on YMCA AfterSchool programs and other fall programs please call the Conroe Family YMCA, 936-441-9622 or the South Montgomery County YMCA at 281-367-9622. Limited space available – Pre-registration is required. For more information please visit the YMCA Houston Web site.

The YMCA strives to turn no one for inability to pay. Financial assistance is available to families that qualify, based on available resources, through the Open Doors program and the generous donors to the annual YMCA Partners Campaign.