Every Kid Deserves a Great Day From Start to Finish
For over 35 years, the YMCA has been providing high-quality before and after school programs for students at schools across Central Ohio and peace of mind for working parents. The YMCA is not only the largest child care provider in Central Ohio, but also the largest statewide and nationwide — so we know a thing or two about youth development. We are a cornerstone in over 50 schools in Delaware, Franklin, Fairfield, Logan and Pickaway counties.
Y-Club, the Y’s Before & After School Child Care program, gives youth a safe place to go before and after the bell. More importantly, it helps youth realize who they are and what they can achieve by raising the B.A.R.!
14 Central Ohio School Districts, 50+ Schools
YMCA Before & After School Child Care programs serve children in five Central Ohio counties: Delaware, Franklin, Fairfield, Logan and Pickaway.
Locations
No-Cost Extended Services
We accommodate late start and early release days at no extra cost.
Experienced, Qualified Staff
Our staff meet all Ohio Department of Children and Youth training, education and experience requirements.
Year-round Full-day Programs
School Days Off during holidays and spring break. Day Camp during the summer.
Custom Programs
We tailor programming to meet the needs of our families and communities.
Financial Assistance
We offer families income-based pricing using a sliding fee scale.
Y Member Pricing
Y-Club participants get access for less with our member rates on YMCA programs such as swim lessons and youth sports.
Why Y Club
Creativity & Family Engagement
We help children explore their inner artist through visual arts, music and drama, culminating in performances and showcases for families. Arts experiences foster creativity, self-expression, and collaboration while also supporting literacy skills through drawing, brainstorming, visualization, pantomime, and music.
We also know families are key partners in learning. Parents are always welcome in our programs, and we provide multiple ways to get involved:
- Invite: Open houses, surveys, parent/child activities, and an open-door policy
- Communicate: Newsletters, daily notes, parent meetings, and community resources
- Engage: Volunteer opportunities, family events, and input on program goals
- Partner: Advisory councils, program surveys, advocacy, and learning opportunities
By working together, we strengthen both learning and connections — helping children and families thrive.
Character & Leadership
We help children develop strong character and leadership skills in a safe, supportive environment. Guided by our Core Values (Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility), kids learn to make positive choices, build self-reliance, and form healthy, trusting relationships.
Our program emphasizes social and emotional learning, teaching skills like self-awareness, self-management, optimism, relationship-building, and decision-making — essential tools for resilience, confidence, and success.
Children also develop a sense of community and service, participating in projects such as toy drives, holiday food and gift giving, family events, and pet shelter support. Through these experiences, they gain perspective, empathy, and the joy of helping others.
Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do: The Y welcomes children of all abilities, backgrounds, and identities, ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow into a strong, caring leader.
Health & Wellness
We help kids build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Y-Kids Are Fit provides daily physical activity and teaches children how to make nutritious choices for their bodies and minds.
Kids move, stretch, and play for 30–45 minutes each day, learning teamwork, confidence and the basics of a balanced fitness routine. Following Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) guidelines, our program encourages active, healthy lifestyles that support both physical and social development.
Academic Growth
Books open worlds of imagination, and literacy provides the foundation for lifelong learning. Children explore stories through reading, discussion, art, movement and writing, connecting ideas to their own lives while strengthening comprehension and communication.
Through engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities, daily reading and homework support, Y-Club helps kids build curiosity, confidence and critical-thinking skills.
Each week, students also receive structured academic time (Monday–Thursday) for reading or homework, supported by caring Y-Club teachers who guide and encourage them.
Together, these experiences help every child grow academically, think creatively, and believe in their ability to succeed.
B elonging
A chievement
R elationship
Core Values
Safety
Inclusion
Safety & Quality Matter
Our staff nurtures the potential in every child. We believe each child deserves to:
- Be physically and emotionally safe
- Be surrounded by caring adults
- Thrive in an inclusive, supportive and educationally-enriching environment
- Have opportunities to socialize with other children
- Be encouraged to learn about, explore and discover new things
- Be physically active
Trusted Professionals |
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All staff must pass thorough background checks, including:
Our staff complete specialized training to meet state licensing safety training requirements and complete annual specialized professional development courses. |
Positive Role Models |
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YMCA staff are committed to nurturing the potential in every child. They assist children in building strong character by modeling the YMCA’s Core Values:
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Qualified Experts |
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| All Y-Club staff meet all Ohio Department of Children and Youth staff requirements regarding education, training and experience. |
Licensed Care |
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All programs meet or exceed Ohio Department of Children and Youth licensing requirements. Many are also Star-Rated in Ohio’s Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) quality rating system. |
Our Central Ohio Impact
44,000+
Youth
Built social-emotional intelligence, self-awareness, empathy, positivity, critical thinking and leadership skills through YMCA Youth Development programs.
50+
Y-Club Sites
Ensure school-age youth have homework help and a meal or snack while parents work.
36+
Years
YMCA Before & After School Child Care programs have served children in Central Ohio for more than 36 years —since 1989!
Related Programs
Summer Camps
Day Camps: For youth entering grades K-6th
Overnight Camp: For youth ages 6-16
Spend the summer with nature, games, crafts, swimming and new friends. We offer day programs around Central Ohio and week-long overnight camps in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
School Days Off
For school-age children
We offer full-day child care when schools close for parent/teacher conference days, single-day holidays and longer holiday breaks at select YMCA Community Centers so kids have a place to keep playing and learning.