*Original publication date: August 6, 2024*

YWCA Cortland operates safe, recreational before-and after-school care for children ages 5-12 at five sites during the school year. Children can choose from a variety of activities to partake in. All sites provide an afternoon snack, use of a large outdoor play area, personal safety programming, gym time (depending on school and time of year), various games, art materials, time for reading or homework, and just plain fun!

This year, we’re happy to share that our School-Age Program is the proud recipient of the LEAPS Grant (NYS Learning and Enrichment After School Program Supports) for the 2024-2025 school year. With this grant, we’re able to provide a FREE after-school program to families at Randall and Smith for the 2024-2025 school year! This care includes enriching programming for both children and parents. We’ve answered some questions we think you might have below!

Disclaimer: Please note that this grant will ONLY cover after-school care; tuition payment is still required for before-school care at these sites. This free after-school program is entirely contingent on state funding. We will update you on the program as we develop and move forward with the contract.

“How does this benefit my children?”

Children enrolled in this program will have access to after-school tutoring for Math and ELA as well as weekly social-emotional programming using several curriculums implemented by YWCA Cortland Mentoring Director Mindy Gardner.

These additional offerings aim to enhance participants’ social-emotional competencies, promote empathy and conflict-resolution skills, and foster a sense of community. Group activities, facilitated by program staff, aim to encourage teamwork, cooperation, and peer interaction through various games, exercises, and projects. Different activities are planned each week to maintain engagement.

“How does this benefit me as a parent/guardian?”

As a benefit of the program, families are required to attend an Empowered Parenting program from Empowered Educator Jenn Rafferty. The program is called Inspiration to Integration and will teach better, more effective communication strategies with children, how to deal with emotional stress, and how to increase a child’s self-esteem by supporting their social-emotional development. Jenn has found that parents who show up for themselves can more easily show up for their children!

“Does this benefit the YWCA?”

Thanks to this grant, YWCA staff will receive training from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health trainer Tammy Goddard and OPEN Physical Education Curriculum National Trainer Nick Kline. They will also receive guidance from Cortland School District on teaching and reinforcing “ROAR” (Respectful, Open-Hearted, Act Safely, Responsible) values and expectations.

“What do I need to do to receive this free care?”

Enroll in the YWCA School-Age program ASAP! Please pick up a packet from the YWCA and return that completed packet along with payment for your Annual YWCA Membership fee, registration fee, and first week’s tuition*. Spots are reserved based on when you submit your completed packet with payment, not when you pick up the packet. 

*Please note that this grant will ONLY cover after-school care; tuition payment is still required for before-school care at these sites. Even if you’re only enrolling in the after-school program, you will still owe the equivalent cost of the first week of care to act as a deposit to reserve your spot at enrollment.

If capacity has been reached, a waitlist for that site will be created. A minimum enrollment of ten children is required to run a program.

Once enrolled, parents/guardians are required to attend AT LEAST one session of the Empowered Parenting program detailed above. Families can choose from three different options to complete this requirement: four live interactive workshops, ten virtual coaching sessions, or seven audio training courses. More information on dates and times to come!

If parents/guardians do not attend the required number of sessions, their children will not be able to attend the program.

“How do I apply to work for the Before and After-School Program?”

We’re seeking qualified candidates to work in this program. Gain a fulfilling and rewarding work experience working with children. Think you’re a good fit? Apply today!

Where can I learn more about the YWCA School-Age program?

Learn more about our School-Age Program here! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to visit us at 14 Clayton Ave. Cortland, NY or call us at (607) 753-9651.

*Content included in this post was accurate on the date it was published. All information and pricing are subject to change without notice.