District Partners
As a leader in youth development, the YMCA of Greater Houston serves over 5000 children ages 5-12 on a daily basis, providing safe, quality and affordable after school care in approximately 180+ sites in 25 school districts and charters. Districts continue to choose the YMCA because we partner with schools to provide high quality, after school care for families. Beyond providing after school care, the YMCA is committed to partnering with schools to fulfill its mission of strengthening communities and families.
While YMCA offers a traditional after school program model, YMCA is committed to providing flexible programming that meets the needs of school and families. YMCA works with each campus to design programming that will fit the needs of families.
We believe that every child deserves access to high quality program, regardless of their ability to pay. As such, we partner with schools to provide subsidized rates through grants and donations.
Current District Partners:
- Aldine ISD
- Alief ISD
- Alvin ISD
- Aristoi Classical Academy
- Channelview ISD
- Clear Creek ISD
- Conroe ISD
- Crosby ISD
- Dickinson ISD
- Galena Park ISD
- Goose Creek ISD
- Houston ISD
- Humble ISD
- Huntsville ISD
- Katy ISD
- Lamar Consolidated ISD
- Montgomery ISD
- Pearland ISD
- Spring Branch ISD
- Spring ISD
- Tomball ISD
- Willis ISD
Preferred District Partnership
The YMCA of Greater Houston is committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through our Preferred District Partner program, district employees and YMCA after school families receive value-added benefits that promote health, wellness and family engagement. The preferred district package can include the following benefits:
- Membership enhanced benefits district employees and YMCA After School participants
- Scholarships to our overnight camp YMCA Camp Cullen
- Classroom (Outdoor ED) trips to YMCA Camp Cullen
- Faculty / staff retreat to YMCA Camp Cullen (facility use only, no facilitation)
This is a Base Partner Package, and the terms of each package are negotiated directly with the district.
For more information please contact: avice.chambers@ymcahouston.org
Why do Principals Love the Y?
“We are so happy we have this option for our working parents. It really makes a huge difference for our families. I really appreciate the partnership between Woodview and the YMCA. Ms. Fyfe and her whole staff are very friendly and I appreciate how they care about our children. I hope to keep this partnership for many years to come.”
– Principal Survey
“This year has been absolutely fantastic! I love visiting the program in the evenings to see children interacting with each other in the learning activities.”
– Principal Survey
Benefits For Youth
Participants are able to:
- Develop a sense of belonging as they grow social skills, social awareness and empathy for others
- Gain necessary knowledge, attitudes and practices to master new skills and achieve their goals
- Are in a safe space emotionally and physically
- Are empowered to make a difference in their own life and the lives of others
Community and Parent Engagement
To foster parent involvement, community engagement and the importance of giving back, students participate in the following events annually:
- Lights On! After School: Event celebrating after school programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. Parents, school faculty and community members are invited into all after school sites to learn.
- Lemonade Day: Students are empowered to own and operate their own business – a lemonade stand. Inspiring kids to work hard and make a profit, they are also taught to spend some, save some and share some by giving back to their community.
- Angel Tree: Students and their families participate in local YMCA Angel Tree programs by “adopting” a child and donating Christmas gifts.
How does the After School program design impact students?
The YMCA of Greater Houston After School programs are more than child care. They offer a path with a purpose. Students engage in a variety of structured activities that promote positive social interactions, indoor and outdoor play and reinforce academic learning concepts, as well as lessons in empathy, inclusion and service learning.
The program incorporates academic enrichment as well as recreational enrichment clubs based on students’ interest. All activities follow a YMCA activity lesson plan and/or evidenced-based curriculum. Clubs are intended to be age appropriate and engage students across a variety of subject areas while incorporating academic and social learning concepts through fun hands-on activities. Additional clubs can be developed based on students’ interest and campus request.
During the Y After school program, students participate in a balanced program of play and structured activities. The day consists of a healthy snack, homework time and assistance, academic enrichment, physical play, and activity centers. The academic enrichment hour is focused on five subject areas: STEM, literacy, arts, wellness, and character leadership.
A Typical Day at a YMCA After School Program
Y Community Time
Welcome children into the program; this can consist of a formal greeting, icebreakers, or group games. Students receive a healthy snack that includes a whole grain, fruit, and water.
During this time, staff are trained to use evidenced-based social emotional learning (SEL) activities to promote diversity, inclusion, empathy, compassion and critical thinking.
Brain Power Hour
Dedicated time for students to work on daily homework and participate in self-guided academic learning centers. Students will be allowed to use any technology device needed to assist with homework, with parent’s permission. YMCA will hire campus certified teacher to assist with homework assistance for students who need support.
Exploration
Age-appropriate structured, hands-on, fun activities intended to reinforce academic learning concepts. The Y uses evidence-based curriculum related to STEM and literacy in partnership with Scholastic Learning and others. Activities will be focused on STEM and literacy but incorporate various subjects throughout the year.
Enrichment
Age-appropriate structured enrichment activities such as music, art, theatre, DIY crafts, global awareness, service learning and character education intended to expose students to new experiences to ignite their imagination and foster a love of service and empathy for others.
Energize
Physical play activities that can take place either outside or in the gym/cafeteria or playground incorporating CATCH Kids Club Curriculum.