The YMCA of Central Kentucky provides high quality before/after-school programming in several Fayette County Public Schools and Lexington Christian Academy campuses.

Why choose the YMCA?

A long-standing not-for-profit organization

• The nation’s YMCAs have been engaging children in after-school programs for more than 50 years. Today, YMCAs serve nearly half a million youth in school-age care programs and millions more in after-school programs.

• The YMCA of Central Kentucky has been serving our community since 1853, meeting the ever changing needs of our community for 155 years.

• The YMCA has been providing school-age childcare to families in Fayette, Jessamine and Scott counties since 1990. Our programs are licensed by the Division of Regulated Child Care and exceed minimum healthy and safety requirements. Our programs participate in the KY Stars for Kids Now voluntary ratings scale, and all sites are currently at or in the process of obtaining a Level 2 Star rating.

Safety

• We meet or exceed state standards for staff to child ratio, and have strict policies regarding supervision of children.

• Over 2,000 children are entrusted to our care every day.

Dedicated and Trained Staff

• An integral component of the YMCA’s quality programming is staffing. Our staff consists of mature and enthusiastic individuals who are committed to providing a quality, safe, and enjoyable program. Employment reference checks, pre-employment drug testing, Sexual Offender Record Check, Criminal Background Check and TB test are completed before any applicant is hired.

• The YMCA of Central Kentucky requires that all school age program staff complete a minimum of 18 hours training in developmentally appropriate practices, behavior management, curriculum planning, and child abuse prevention each year. All Site Directors and Assistant Directors are certified in CPR and 1st Aid.

Enriching Curriculum

We are committed to developing the whole child. YMCA staff and volunteers know that kids have different wants and needs from their before/afterschool program than what they need or get during the school day. Our programs support academics through activities that help children build social skills, utilize problem solving, promote character development and practice healthy lifestyle choices. We believe it is important to strike a balance between academic enrichment and hands-on, recreational activities for children. The activities offered strengthen, expand and provide real life context to information learned in the classroom. 

Our core curriculum is built around the following areas:

• Arts & Humanities       

• Character Development

• Health, Wellness, Fitness

• Homework Support    

• Literacy

• Science and math

• Service-learning

• Social competence and conflict resolution

• LCA sites include a Christian Education component. 

The YMCA also utilizes the nationally recognized enrichment resources KidzLit, KidzMath, Skillastics, and CATCH Kids Club.

Character Development

The YMCA’s national character building campaign pledges to incorporate the values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility as a part of all youth services programming. We seek to support and strengthen the family unit, help children develop their fullest potential and present programs and services in a positive YMCA environment of safety, support, and care.