YMWCA OF NEWARK AND VICINITY
600 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
973.624.8900
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Before and After School Programs
The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity offers high-quality before and after school programs in neighboring Belleville.
Y's Choice After School - For Belleville Students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade
The Y’s Choice introduces elementary school students to the wonderful world of after school fun and learning. With a perfect blend of socialization, recreation and academic support, the Y’s Choice creates a safe, structured supplement for your child’s school day.
Throughout the year, you will be able to choose from a range of exciting arts, academic and sports activities to meet your child’s needs and interests. And all children will participate in the unique CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Childhood Health) Program, designed to help children develop healthy eating and exercise habits.
When a child joins the Y’s Choice after school program, exciting learning opportunities, unparalleled sports programs, strong friendships and caring mentors are just the beginning. The Y’s approach builds “strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.” Our programs are based on our core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. When a child joins our program, he or she sees the Y community consistently modeling these values, and before long, they become second nature. The children in our program gain support for their academic efforts, improve their nutritional knowledge, and increase their levels of physical activity, leading to better school performance and improved health and wellness.
Y’s Choice Schedule:
3:00 - 3:15 pm snack & socialization time
3:15 - 4:00 pm homework or elective
4:00 - 5:00 pm homework or elective
5:00 - 5:45 pm project-based learning (CATCH, arts and crafts, cooking, science, dance, writing)
5:45 - 6:00 pm clean-up
CATCH
For nutritional and physical fitness programming, the YMWCA utilizes the nationally-recognized Coordinated Approach To Child Health (CATCH) curriculum. CATCH is distinct from other programs in its emphasis on non-elimination games and continuous movement. These cooperative activities can be enjoyed by both the star athlete as well as the student who is more comfortable in the library.
The CATCH curriculum includes a key nutrition component designed to expand a child’s exposure to healthy snacks, in combination with nutrition lessons and activities about healthy food choices. For example, one CATCH lesson teaches children about what fiber does for their bodies by playing a board game and then preparing tostadas.
The nutritional segment is followed by the GO ACTIVITIES, intended as a fun way for students to improve skills, promote cardiovascular fitness and be exposed to a variety of activities to be practiced and enjoyed in the future. In the CATCH program, there is no “down time,” no waiting for a turn, no elimination games, just constant movement. The GO ACTIVITIES emphasizes cooperation over competition, so as to gain the interest and commitment of children of varying physical abilities.
Here is a sample of activities, offered at different times throughout the school year:Sports Sampler
This class is designed to develop skill and teamwork. Each class will focus on a new sport and skill, with drill exercises and games played regularly. New team formations will be utilized each session.
Cooking
Children will learn how to prepare foods from scratch without using heat! They will learn to explore food as a whole process. We will discuss nutrition, cleanliness and the importance of working together to create wonderful dishes.
Hip/Hop
Students will learn the basics of hip-hop jazz moves and choreographed routines.
Kickball
Participants will enjoy the game of kickball, where they will be involved in friendly competitions, learn about the history of the sport, and develop the necessary skills to successfully play the game.
Academic Hour
The Y’s Choice is focused on education as well as play. In the Academic Hour, children will work with staff to complete homework assignments and review topics learned in school that day.
Arts & Crafts
Children will have the opportunity to work with different mediums (paper, clay, paint, etc.) to create projects based on different monthly themes. Creativity and fun are encouraged!
Board Game Strategy
Students learn strategies for different classic board games. Whether it is Monopoly, Chess, Life or Battleship – this is fun for children of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions:What is the cost of the program?
The monthly fees for the Y’s Choice after school program are $245.00 per month for each child. All payments must be received by the 25th of the month the following month. (Example: Payments for September are due by August 25th. Payments for October are due September 25th etc.)
Do you accept childcare subsidy vouchers?
Yes, we do accept Program for Parents DYFS vouchers. We also provide financial assistance for those who qualify. You can download a financial aid application from our website.
What is the schedule for the Y’s Choice afterschool program?
Activities will take place in the cafeteria, outdoor play areas and in classrooms.
3:00 - 3:15 pm Snack & socialization time
3:15 - 4:00 pm Homework or Elective
4:00 - 5:00 pm Homework or Elective
5:00 - 5:45 pm Project-based learning (CATCH, arts and crafts, cooking, science, dance, writing)
5:45 - 6:00 pm Clean-up
Do I have to pack a snack for my child?
No. The Y’s choice program will provide your child with a nutritious snack. However, if you would like your child to eat a specific snack, please make sure to pack it in their book bag.
How do children get to the afterschool program from class?
At the end of the school day, your child’s teacher will bring them to the cafeteria, where they will be signed in and join their after school group. Students coming from other schools will be bused to their designated school where they will join their after school groups.
Where does dismissal take place?
Dismissal will take place in the cafeteria. There will be signage posted to indicate dismissal areas.
Will after the Y’s Choice after school program be held on half-days?
Yes. On half days, the Y’s Choice program will run at School #8 only. The half- day program begins at dismissal and runs until 3:00 pm. The regular after school program will then run from 3:00 - 6:00 pm. If parents wish to sign their children up for the half-day program, it is an addition $20 per day. Please register and pay for half-day programs at the Newark YMCA.
If my child is sick or will be absent, do I have to call in?
Yes. If your child will not be participating in the after school program on a particular day, please contact School #3 at 973-450-3084, School #7 at 973.751.4041 or School #8 at 973.844.0088 after 3 pm.
If my child is sick or will be absent, do I have to call in?
Yes. If your child will not be participating in the after school program on a particular day, please contact School #3 at 973-450-3084, School #5 at 973.844.1424, School #7 at 973.751.4041 or School #8 at 973.844.0088 after 3 pm.
Who is authorized to pick up my child?
Upon registration, there is a form that you will complete, listing the individuals who are authorized to pick up your child. At dismissal, the individual will have to show their identification and sign the “sign-out sheet.” Your child will not be signed out to any persons under the age of 18 or anyone not listed on the authorized pick-up form.
If I have any other questions, who can I contact?
Please contact Darnell Benjamin, Program Director at 973.624.8900 ext. 6877 or Dbenjamin@newarkymca.org
Y's Choice Before School Program -- Offered At Belleville Schools #3, #5, #7 and #8
The goal of the Y's Choice before school program is to provide safe, quality care to children of working parents in Belleville, NJ. Our morning programs establish an environment where children may begin their school day in a positive way.
Parents may bring their children to the Y's Choice before school program as early as 7:15 a.m., one hour and ten minutes prior to the time when all students are allowed to enter the school building. Children who participate in the program will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities, such as homework help, group games and activities, board games, arts & crafts, rest and reading.
At 8:35 am, before care participants will be escorted to the designated area where teachers gather their students and escort them to class. Staff members are trained to follow the discipline procedures already in place to maintain consistency for program participants. Only children registered may attend the program. In order to ensure each child’s safety and allow for an orderly functioning of the program, children must be escorted and signed in by an adult. There are no exceptions.
Inclement Weather Procedures
When school is closed, the before and after care programs are closed. When there is a delayed opening, the before care program will be closed.
Withdrawal from the Program
Should withdrawal from the program be necessary, two weeks written notice to the Community Program Director is required. Failure to provide this notice will result in full monthly charge.
Program Fees
Fees are due on a monthly basis and should be received at the Newark YMCA branch by the 25th of each month in advance of services. A late fee of $25.00 per month will be assessed if payment is received after the 25th. If payment is not received by the last day of a month, the student will not be able to attend the following month. No credit or refund is given for days absent. A fee of $30.00 will be charged and is due in money order form for each returned check.
Monthly charges: 7:15 – 8:35 a.m Cost: $85
Please mail registration form, registration fees and full payment for the month desired. The child’s full name must be noted on all checks. Please make checks payable to the Newark YMCA and mail to:
Attention: Community Programs Dept.
Newark YMCA
600 Broad Street, Newark NJ, 07102
For additional information contact Darnell Benjamin, 973-624-8900 x6877, dbenjamin@newarkymca.org
(Parents interested in starting a before school program at schools #4, #9 or #10, please call Darnell Benjamin at 973-624-8900 x6877.)
