FAQ

Y-Club programs generally serve grades K-5th. The YMCA provides programming for sixth graders in some districts. Please see your location page for more information.

We protect every child in our care and are accredited by Praesidium, a leader in abuse prevention. We're committed to safety and adhere to the highest abuse prevention standards. Our Praesidium Accreditation gives our staff access to best practices, written resources to strengthen prevention efforts and consultation with experts.

Sexual abuse is a preventable risk. With our commitment to safety and your support, we can make a difference in preventing this risk and ensuring the safety of every child in our care.

Learn how the YMCA protects children

At the Y, your child’s safety and maintaining good health are our top priorities. Y-Club is active and busy, so children should be well-rested and ready to participate fully daily. Children are in groups and interact with each other daily. 

Children should not come to Y-Club if they are not feeling well, have contagious symptoms such as fever, diarrhea or vomiting or have received a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. 

In addition to the many steps we take every day to protect the health of our guests, children, and staff, we work closely with our YMCA Risk Management team to incorporate recommendations from local, state and national agencies for a healthy community for all.

Parents of registered children will receive a separate email and updated Parent Handbook with information about our safety procedures.

Please contact your Y-Club’s director if you have specific safety questions.

Ohio Department of Children and Youth

Y-Club programs are licensed through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (Formerly Ohio Department of Job and Family Services/Ohio Department of Education). Ohio Department of Children and Youth personnel verify 50+ program rules. Licensed programs are inspected before and after receiving an Ohio Department of Children and Youth license and must verify compliance with state and federal requirements. In addition, programs will also be investigated in response to complaints received through Ohio Department of Children and Youth.

Ohio’s Step Up To Quality

Most programs are quality-rated through the state of Ohio’s Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) programming system. Step Up to Quality recognizes child care programs that exceed basic licensing standards, signifying a higher level of quality care for children by meeting specific criteria for learning environments, staff training and curriculum development. SUTQ program standards are based on national research.

All Before & After School Child Care program staff meet all Ohio Department of Children and Youth staff requirements regarding education, training and experience.

Daily activities vary. However, an example of a typical day will have the structure as follows:

Morning

Opening until school starts

7:00 - 7:35 Interest Area Time 
7:35 - 8:10  Physical Activity (Outside or gym games)
8:10 - 8:35 Thematic Activities (Group Projects, STEM, Art, etc.) 
8:35 – 8:50 Clean Up / Prepare for School

Afternoon

When school gets out until closing    

3:30 – 3:40 Attendance / Announcements
3:40 - 4:00 Snack 
4:00 - 4:30 Outdoor/Gym Play
4:30 – 5:00 Homework/KidzLit/Quiet Activities 
5:00 – 5:30 Thematic Activities (Group Projects, STEM, Art, etc.) 
5:30 – 6:00 Interest Areas / Clean-up

Children are responsible for their own belongings, including backpacks, library books, clothing and other personal items. The YMCA will provide a designated storage place for your child’s belongings during the program. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

Please discourage your child from bringing valuable items. Y-Club has many delightful toys for your child’s enjoyment and learning experiences. 

Special or Expensive Personal Belongings

Electronic devices: game systems, smartwatches and phones

Toys: stuffed animals, cards, sports equipment and other personal items from home

Money 

If a child brings an electronic device, they must keep it in their backpack. If they bring other items, the YMCA staff may collect them and return them when parents or guardians pick up their child at the end of the day. The YMCA is not responsible for lost items.

If your child needs to bring a toy from home for a classroom project, we expect it to stay in their backpacks during Y-Club hours. Occasionally, we may have an activity that will allow particular toys from home for a special period. We will provide information when those opportunities occur.

Dangerous Items & Controlled Substances

Weapons: Children, staff, parents and visitors cannot carry weapons, including firearms, pocket knives, matches, lighters and firecrackers.

Controlled Substances: All properties where a YMCA operates or visits prohibit illegal drugs, controlled substances and alcohol.

Tobacco-Free YMCA Facilities: No tobacco products are permitted. 

Animals & Sugary Drinks

Pets: No animals are allowed at YMCA programs.

Pop: Please refrain from sending soda, sugary or carbonated drinks to Y-Club.

Y-Club directors primarily use email to communicate. For information about your child’s Y-Club, regularly check the email you used when registering. 

Some locations may use additional forms of communication, which they will share via email.

Payments are due each Friday for the following week of care.

Payment options

• Automatic EFT with a debit card or banking account
• Automatic credit card payment

Automatic payments ensure worry-free, on-time payment and no late fees. When paying your registration fee, you may provide your credit card to be applied to weekly payments.

The weekly fee represents one week’s tuition and will be prorated when your child’s school has scheduled days off. 

Yes. Scholarships or financial assistance are available. To request an application, contact your Y-Club or download one from our website.

Yes, for most programs. If applicable, the YMCA accepts publicly funded childcare (PFCC) subsidy payments from ODJFS. Please note that not all programs are eligible for PFCC funding. Parents or guardians must pay the weekly co-payments before each week. In addition to co-pays, a parent or guardian must consistently check in and out of the ODJFS TAP system. Please comply with these state-mandated requirements to avoid removal from the program.

Parents must file change forms with their case manager to ensure they have the correct program number. Please talk with your Y-Club’s director for more information.

Tuition fees are eligible for child care tax credit. Our federal child care tax ID # is 31-4379495, and a year-end tax statement is available in your account.

We understand that plans change from time to time.

Individuals intending to withdraw from the program must contact us with two weeks' notice. Parents/guardians are responsible for the program fee if a 2-week written notice has not been given. If your child has not attended the program for two consecutive weeks without notification, we may cancel your child's care slot.

A registration fee is collected at the time of registration for each child you are registering.  Registration fees are not refundable.

Weekly payments are changed on the Friday before each week of care.

If you are canceling due to illness, please contact your Y-Club’s director as soon as you realize your child cannot attend. We will work with you to determine whether to issue you a refund or credit (minus the deposit). We may ask you to provide medical documentation.

Siblings will receive a 10% sibling discount, which will be applied to the second and any additional siblings' Y-Club fees. The discount does not apply to the registration fees or any previously reduced rates.

No. We do not prorate other than the available listed rates or when schools plan days off.

Each Y-Club requires a $35 registration fee to reserve care. Check your district’s page for more information, including a link to register online.

Dates vary by district for the upcoming school year. Please check your district’s page for more information.

We’re always looking for excellent staff to lead our programs. 

Are you looking for a fun environment to hone your child care skills? Join our staff! You’ll support and lead our children as you uphold the YMCA's Core Values of Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility. YMCA staff members enjoy excellent benefits like:

• Free FAMILY membership
• Child care and day camp program discounts
• Paid time off (including your birthday)
• Retirement
• Health, dental, vision
• Pet insurance available

Apply Now