When the school day ends, children and teens need opportunities to learn and engage in meaningful activities. Their success out of school can have a positive effect on their success in school. Unfortunately, 15.1 million children nationwide In Indiana, 30% (332,642) of K-12 youth are responsible for taking care of themselves after school and do not participate in afterschool programs, according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization. To help close this gap, the Portage Y is offering a quality afterschool program.
Combining play with academics, the Y’s afterschool program provides learning enrichment through arts, music, physical education, sports and nutrition. It also provides children with an extra support system to help them achieve and reach their full potential. As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, and a pioneer in afterschool programs, the Y believes guidance, encouragement and support through positive role models, along the learning continuum – from early learning and preschool to high school graduation and college – provide the best chance for youth to succeed in school and life.
“Learning enrichment after school is essential to increasing children’s success in school,” said Ms. CC, before and After School Care (Y-Care) Coordinator. “The opportunity to get additional learning and support and participate in meaningful activities can inspire the motivation and ability to succeed.”
Studies show participation in afterschool programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance and reduces gaps in academic achievement among children from disadvantaged households.
With a focus on safety, health, social growth and academic enhancement, Y-Care serves kindergartners through middle school in Portage Township Schools. Students engage in a variety of activities to develop their interests and talents in a safe and secure, fun environment with low child-to-staff ratio. Children may be dropped off before school as early as 6:30 a.m. and picked up after school as late as 6:00 p.m. Program fees vary according to hours of usage. CCDF vouchers and financial assistance is available. Children are bussed to and from their Portage Township School to one of the Y-Care sites, one being Jones Elementary School and the other Aylesworth Elementary School. For more information about Portage Y’s before and after school programs, please contact Ms. CC at ms.cc@ymcaofportage.org or call 219-762-9622.