Curriculum

Our well-planned YMCA School-Age Care Curriculum helps to make the children’s experience instructional, inspirational and fun. Developed through a partnership with the YMCA of the USA and the National Institute of Out-of-School Time (NIOST) at the Center for Research on Women at Wellesley College, it takes into account the specific needs and interests of the children; the unique needs of the school and the community; the talents and strengths of the staff; and the available resources both at the YMCA and within the community.

The YMCA School-Age Care Curriculum encompasses eight core areas:

Arts and Humanities

Visual and performing arts are easily integrated into our programs. Children will be able to participate in drama, music, arts, crafts, art history, poetry, etc throughout the year.

Character Development

In today’s challenging world children need reinforcement of positive values especially when they are away from home. The YMCA of Orange County is a proud member of the Josephson Institute of Ethics and Values Character Counts Coalition. The character counts program focuses on the six pillars in character development Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Citizenship, Trustworthiness and Fairness.

Health, Wellness and Fitness

Building strong kids is an important part of YMCA of Orange County history. Our child care staff work together with our fitness staff to develop a well-rounded program where children can fully participate in health, wellness and physical activities. The YMCA provides a minimum of 45 minutes of physical activities per day in the after school program.

Literacy

Literacy includes reading, writing, speaking, gathering information, using information and critical thinking. Many of our lessons plans focus on reading books and what lessons children can learn from the books they’ve read. The YMCA utilizes the Kids Lit Curriculum to help build important literacy skills, develop an appreciation for reading, and reinforce the YMCA character development values

Science and Technology

Many children today are fascinated with science and technology. Through Technology children research, study and learn what happens in the world around them. Through age appropriate science activities children develop a better understanding of how their actions and choices effect the environment and world.

Service Learning

The purpose of this component is to develop the child’s skills, knowledge and civic awareness while making meaningful contributions to their communities. It is easily incorporated into our programs through volunteering, leadership and character development. Some projects may be anything from painting a mural to community clean up.

Social Competence and Conflict Resolution

In Y school-age programs, staff helps educate children in using natural and logical consequences and encourage them to accept responsibility for their behaviors. They guide activities, give children strategies for dealing with conflict when it comes their way, and help them develop socially acceptable ways of interacting with one another.

Homework Assistance

The YMCA provides 30-45 minutes each day for children to work on their homework or pursue alternate activities that promote positive attitude towards learning and school. YMCA staff creates a quiet environment for the children and appropriate materials are available for them to complete their homework. Staff is also available to provide homework assistance for those needing support. Children not taking part in the homework time are provided with a variety of alternate activities including:

• Reading children's books, magazines


• Themed science experiments that can be done independently


• Educational computer programs - math, language, problem solving


• Self directed art projects


• Educational board games - math skills, reading emphasis etc.


• Chess or checkers


• Creating and writing stories and poems


• Completing puzzles