Spots are still available in most locations.
Purchase of Care is accepted. Financial assistance is available.
Wilmington, Delaware – The hours after school are crucial for the development and safety of children. For over 100 years, the YMCA of Delaware has stood as a pillar of support for families, offering trusted, high-quality childcare programs. These programs provide a secure environment where children can stay active, continue learning, and engage in healthy habits while out of school. With acceptance of Purchase of Care and available financial assistance, the Y ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive. The YMCA urges parents to take advantage of these offerings to keep kids safe this school year, here’s why:
Keeping Delaware’s Youth Safe:
A study from Afterschool Alliance has determined that 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. is the peak time for juvenile crime in Delaware on school days, with 25% of these crimes occurring during this period. In Delaware, 71% of parents agree that afterschool programs provide peace of mind while at work, and 62% believe these programs help keep kids safe and out of trouble. However, for every student currently enrolled in an afterschool program, four more would participate if a program were available.
Combating Inequity:
In 2023, about 1,400 children flourished in YMCA of Delaware Before & After School Enrichment (BASE) child development programs. 41% of these bright, young minds received nearly $2 million of YMCA and state-funded financial assistance to thrive in our nurturing childcare programs.
“Working families across Delaware struggle to find quality and affordable childcare in the current economic climate,” said Georganne Buccine, Vice President of Youth Development for the YMCA of Delaware. “The Y’s Before & After School Care programs accept Purchase of Care (POC) and provide Financial Assistance for qualifying families. As a nonprofit, the YMCA strives to make our programs widely affordable and accessible to all, regardless of one’s ability to pay.”
Spots are still available for the YMCA of Delaware’s 2024/2025 Before and After School programs. For more information or to register, please visit the Before & After School Care page on our website.
Before Care: A Great Start to the Day
The YMCA’s Before Care program offers children the perfect start to their day with a variety of group games and enrichment activities. This program ensures that children arrive at school energized and ready to learn, setting a positive tone for the rest of their day.
After Care: Fun, Learning, and Growth
The Y’s After Care program goes beyond providing a safe space for children after school. It is a comprehensive experience reinforcing academics through structured activities and supporting homework completion. The program includes a healthy snack or small meal. After Care promotes physical activity through outdoor games and sports, allowing children to unwind and work together as a team in a safe environment.
The YMCA of Delaware’s well-trained staff is dedicated to creating an environment that supports the individual needs of each child. With a focus on character development, academic support, and physical activity, the YMCA’s Before and After School programs aim to help children learn, grow, and thrive.
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
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