Nurturing potential.
Afterschool at the Y delivers a safe, secure, inclusive environment with staff committed to nurturing the potential of each child in our program.
With a focus on safety, health, social growth and academic enhancement, before and afterschool programs at the Y provide kindergartners through middle schoolers with a variety of activities to explore and develop their interests and talents when the school day ends.
Children in our program develop valuable life skills through activities like homework assistance, arts and crafts, literacy, board games, group games, and outdoor play. They also make healthy choices that include eating nutritious snacks, taking time for active play, and participating in healthy activities. The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit serves neighborhoods throughout Southeastern Michigan in partnership with local academies and Pubic School Districts by offering affordable school-age child care to families. We provide care directly at the school, based on the school calendar, and at the Y on days that school is canceled or out.
Afterschool Activities
The activities and atmosphere of the program are designed to meet the developmental, academic, physical, emotional, and social needs of the children served. Each YMCA Afterschool Site Supervisor develops a specific schedule to meet the particular needs of the children at their site. The program includes*:
- Homework Help
- Arts and Crafts
- Literacy
- Board Games
- Building
- Group Games
- Outdoor Play
- Healthy Snacks
- Nutrition Activities
*Activities are subject to change.
Schools We Serve
We serve over 2,300 students at a number of schools in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne County. Nationwide, the Y provides afterschool care to more than 600,000 children.
- Achieve Charter Academy
- Branch Line School
- Detroit Achievement Academy
- Detroit Prep
- Eastpointe Schools
- Bellview Elementary School
- Pleasantview Elementary School
- Forest Park Elementary School
- Crescentwood Elementary School
- Farmington Hills Schools
- Forest Elementary School
- Hillside Elementary School
- Kenbrook Elementary School
- Lanigan Elementary School
- Longacre Elementary School
- STEAM Academy
- Woodcreek Elementary School
- Fraser Public Schools
- Disney Elementary
- Edison Elementary
- Eisenhower Elementary
- Emerson Elementary
- Twain Elementary
- Salk Elementary
- Ivywood Classical Academy
- Melvindale Schools
- Our Lady of Sorrows
- Royal Oak Middle School
- St. Fabian
- St. William
- St. Regis
- St. Hugo
- Taylor Exemplar Academy
- University Preparatory Academy (UPA)
- UPA Mark Murray
- UPA Ellen Thompson
- UPSM Elementary
- UPA Art & Design
- Van Dyke Public Schools
- Carlson Elementary School
- Kennedy Elementary School
- Lincoln Elementary School
- McKinley Elementary School
- Wyandotte Schools
About Afterschool at the Y
Who we are
The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors in 10,000 communities to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
YMCA Childcare Mission
To foster the ongoing development of all children with quality, affordable and accessible child care programs which ensure each child a positive, safe and nurturing environment in collaboration with families, schools and community
At the Y our child care programs provide safe, educational and enriching programs for children. Our programs help children to develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. We will promote the character values of caring, honest, respect, and responsibility.
We listen to parents
We use survey feedback to grow to fit our families’ needs by surveying families 2X per year.
Safety & Quality Matter
- The Y provides professional development for all staff
- The Y hires experienced, educated staff
- Y staff are positive, caring adults committed to being a role model
Our programs are designed to keep your students safe
The YMCA employs extensive safety procedures to ensure student safety from the moment they walk into our programs to when they are picked up by parents.
We align with district safety procedures
We know it’s important for students to have consistent emergency routines from the moment they enter school to the time they leave. Therefore, we partner with school security and administrators to ensure our procedures align with those of your district (e.g. school disaster plans and monthly drills).
We carefully pre-screen all employees
Having the right staff in place is critical to the safety and success of our enrichment programs. Our team members go through extensive background checks before and during employment with us.
We are always prepared
Through live training, monthly drills, quality checks, and compliance audits, we make sure that our onsite teams are fully prepared to implement safety procedures, address any safety concerns, and are ready to deal with unexpected events. Our teams also maintain certifications in first aid and CPR/AED and undergo ongoing training to maintain preparedness for any medical events that may occur.