LEARN. GROW. THRIVE.
YMCA of West Tennessee - Before & After School Care
Better Together! We are excited to partner with Jackson-Madison County Schools to expand Before & After School to students and families.
The YMCA of West Tennessee and the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South are working together to provide Before &/or After Care services to schools in Jackson-Madison County School System.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What schools will have Y-Care in JMCSS?
The YMCA will operate before and/or after school in the following schools:
- Rose Hill
- East
- Community Montessori School
- Pope
- Thelma Barker
- Alexander
- Denmark
- South
- Arlington*
*Arlington serves as a hub for After Care and is accepting students from Arlington, Alexander, and Andrew Jackson Elementary.
What if my school is not listed list above?
In our partnership, the district (JMCSS) will continue to provide services at the following schools:
- NEMS
- Nova
Please note that these programs that are remaining operating with JMSD (NEMS & Nova) will continue to follow all district policies such as monthly payments, etc.
If you have questions about district-run SACC programs please contact, Hope Khalil at [email protected].
Can you tell me more about the Y program?
Y Care is a place where families and schools are connected into a greater community. We believe in providing opportunities for kids to grow and learn in a safe and supportive environment that helps youth realize who they are and what they can achieve!
Through our enrichment-based programming, youth can participate in exploring new interests and developing new skills alongside their peers. Meanwhile, you'll know your kids are safe and happy in our care!
What is your curriculum?
Our programs are full of activities that parents and kids love! Trained staff engage kids with everything from homework help to games and art projects.
Activities & Enrichment Areas:
- Literacy and Reading
- Homework and Tutoring
- Science Action Club
- Creative Expression Artwork
- Exploration Stations
- T.E.A.M Focus
- Safety Around Water
- Physical Activities and Games
- Guest Speakers and Events
- Snack and/or Meals Offered Daily
What grades can enroll in Y-Care?
The YMCA will provide care for all students that are enrolled within the school. If the school is a K-8 school, then students in grade Kindergarten through 8th grade will be able to enroll for the program. We are able to serve students in Pre-K, but we will have to obtain a special approval from the State to provide this service and it may not be offered in the 1st year of the program.
Does the program operate on-site at the school?
Our program is on-site at the school and normally operates in the cafeteria or gym. Children will not be transported to an off-site location because through this partnership we are able to offer care on-site at the school.
How do I register?
Parents will register for the YMCA Before and After care program online. Registration can be completed on a computer or laptop for best results. All details about how to register can be found on our website here: Create Account & Register.
What if I want to speak to someone at the YMCA about a specific Question?
You can contact our Parent Support Center at 901.766.7677 for more information or ask to speak with one of the following team members:
Dave Bratcher, Senior Vice President of West Tennessee
[email protected]
Melissa White, Regional Director
[email protected]
What happens if I have already reserved my space with JMCSS for next year’s before or after care program?
If you pre-registered with Jackson-Madison School district, you will be provided a priority registration window before registration to families who were not enrolled last year. Please use the links and information provided via email and text to begin your enrollment during the Priority Registration window.
What are the hours for the program?
The Aftercare program operates from the end of the school day until 6:00 p.m. If your school also has a before care program, we will be confirming hours with the school principal, however, most programs begin at 6:30 a.m. until school opens.
Can I register for just before or aftercare or do I have to register for both programs?
You will have the option of registering for before care, after care, or both before and after care together, depending on which programs are offered at your school location.
What are the prices and when are payments due?
The registration fee is due at the time of registration. Weekly fees are automatically drafted from your card or bank account on file the Friday TEN DAYS prior to the Monday of care and are automatically drafted each week for the in-session weeks of the school year. We are working with the districts to align pricing and policies. We are working to have everything finalized in the coming weeks.
Please note if your school is not partnered with the YMCA (one of the 6 schools listed above), then you will continue to have monthly payments.
Can I sign up for individual days?
No, we are unable to provide part-time care based on our staffing patterns and the demand for 5-day of care for families. So, our program is billed each week for the full weekly amount.
I need assistance with my Y Care payments. Is financial assistance available?
Yes. DHS Child Care certificates are available for qualifying families at many of our school locations. The YMCA also has a financial assistance program. You can visit that page on our website for more information and to learn how to apply. We work closely with our families to ensure that children have access to high-quality care, no matter the circumstances.
Does your program accommodate students with special needs?
The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South seeks to serve all people. It is our intention to include people of all abilities in our programs in the most integrated setting and wherever it is reasonably possible to do so.
If your child has significant health concerns or a special need, please inform YMCA’s parent support center at 901-766-7677 at the time of registration (and prior to attendance in the program), in order to initiate an appropriate process with our inclusion team to determine reasonable accommodations to access the program and scope or responsibility for provision of reasonable accommodations. Qualified students are admitted on a first come, first serve basis.
Is there an employee discount?
Yes, YMCA employees who work a minimum number of hours per week can qualify for no-cost before and after school care for their dependent children.
Will the staff that work with SACC at my school still be there next year?
Yes, all staff who are currently working with the program, will have the opportunity to work with the YMCA. You will see many of the same faces for your child’s program that you did last year.
The YMCA staffing model for our programs is built around a balance of employing staff who work for the school and other community members. This allows for a seamless alignment between the school and the Y-Care Program.
How do I find out more information?
We will continue to update this website as more details are confirmed.
I am interested in working in the program
We welcome the opportunity to have high-quality, caring team members join our team to support the growth, learning and development of Jackson-Madison youth.
If you are interested in available positions, please apply in our Career Portal.
