Before and After School at the YMCA
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Registration for the 2026-2027 SACC will open on June 1, 2026.
Registration is only available online due to the required Payment Agreement and Questionnaire. If you run into difficulty completing the online registration, please email Senior Director of Membership and Programs, Emily LeViere, at eleviere@ithacaymca.com.
*If you have a DSS Subsidy, DO NOT register online and contact Emily above regarding completing the registration.
*If you'd like to apply for a YMCA Scholarship, please contact Emily prior to registering.
More Than Child Care
YMCA School Age Child Care combines recreation, enrichment, and character development into one exciting program. From STEM projects and arts & crafts to games, outdoor play, and homework support, every day brings something new!
With flexible before-school, after-school, and full-day care options, the YMCA helps families balance work and school schedules with reliable, high-quality care children love attending. Choose from Before School, After School, and Full Day Program Options hosted on-site at the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County, at Groton Elementary, and at Cassavant Elementary.
School Age Child Care 2026-2027 School Year
- Cassavant Elementary School - Before and After School (Serving Dryden School District, K-12 years old)
- Groton Elementary School - Before and After School (Serving Groton School District, K-12 years old)
- On-Site at the Ithaca YMCA - After School (Serving Lansing and Ithaca City School Districts, K-12 years old)
When children enter an Ithaca YMCA after-school or school-age child care program, a whole new world of imagination and growth opens up to them in a safe, engaging environment. In addition to supplementing what they have learned in school, they participate in interactive learning models that engage critical thinking skills, participate in the Second Step Curriculum, receive help with their homework from trained YMCA staff, safely socialize, and form lasting friendships that enhance their development, growth, and self-confidence.
2026-27 Registration Costs
At time of registration, you will pay a $50 NON-REFUNDABLE registration fee that will cover both the 1st week of the program in September. See more information below regarding payment info.
| Program | Family Members | Individual Members | Non Members |
| 3 Days of Afterschool | $60 | $75 | $81 |
| 4 Days of Afterschool | $80 | $100 | $108 |
| 5 Days of Afterschool | $100 | $125 | $135 |
|
Before School |
$35 | $35 | $50 |
Register Here!
Required Forms/Materials For All SACC Families
- 2025-2026 Payment Agreement (Signed Online At Time of Registration - An Email Copy Can be Requested as well)
- Emergency Card (will be given by the YMCA Childcare Director)
- On-site program participants must complete a CACFP form
Health and Nutrition
Our curriculum is based on a program model that focuses on learning enhancement, health, and recreation, which builds competence and confidence in children. We have included a SEL (Social Emotional Learning) curriculum called Second Step. The program runs every regular school day in a supervised and structured environment, providing a safe before-school, after-school, or wraparound care alternative for children. Moving our cause forward, we are increasing our impact in the fight against food insecurity. We will be offering a snack in compliance with Y Healthy Food & with the support of CACFP.
YMCA SACC programs are part of the HEPA (Healthy Eating - Physical Activity) Initiative designed to decrease childhood obesity, reduce food insecurity, and increase the general health and well-being of our youth. Y-USA pledges to educate kids about healthy lifestyles, model healthy behaviors, and cultivate environments that make it easier for kids to make healthier choices.
DSS Subsidies & YMCA Financial Assistance
Department of Social Services subsidies are accepted: Please note that if you are looking to utilize a DSS Subsidy, you need to register by contacting Senior Director of Memberships and Programs, Emily LeViere, at eleviere@ithacaymca.com or 607-257-0101. Please do NOT register online if you plan to have a DSS subsidy.
The YMCA can also provide financial assistance towards the payments for Afterschool if you have been denied by DSS. To get more information about this, please contact the Senior Director of Memberships and Programs, Emily LeViere, at eleviere@ithacaymca.com or 607-257-0101.
Full-Day Care Program
Games and sports, reading and literacy, arts and crafts, reading time, an hour of swim time, outdoor recreation, STEM projects, and character development activities, according to YMCA best practices.
- September 21
- October 12
- October 23
- November 11
- November 20
- November 25
- December 28
- December 29
- December 30
- December 31
- January 18
- February 15
- February 16
- February 17
- February 18
- February 19
- March 10
- March 19
- March 26
- April 5
- April 6
- April 7
- April 8
- April 9
- June 18
2026-27' Full Day Pricing
Day & Week Pricing:
- SACC Participant: $40 per day (To get these rates, contact Emily to register)
- Family Member: $45 per day
- Individual Member: $50 per day
- Non-Member: $60 per day
During Full Days, children have the opportunity to swim from 2-3 pm.
Children should bring the following with them to each full day:
- Swim Suit and Towel (goggles optional)
- Water bottle
- Packed Lunch
- Extra clothes
- Sneakers
- Snow Gear If Weather applicable
Activities
Games and sports, reading and literacy, arts and crafts, homework assistance, outdoor recreation, STEM projects, and character development activities, according to YMCA best practices.
Registration and Payments
school and the last week. This is non-refundable no matter at what point you withdraw your child.
Full-time and part-time options are available only for after-school programs. If selecting a part-time option, each week attendance must occur on the same days. Payments will be processed weekly by automatic bank draft the Wednesday before the first day of the program each week. If payment is declined, guardians have till Monday morning to make payment - if not paid, your child will be denied attendance till paid.
If enrolling in the 5-day per week option, on certain off days full-day care will be offered, which is included in your weekly rate. If signing up for before-school or a part-time after-school option, your payment will be prorated based on scheduled days off from the May 2025 District Calendar Postings.
By registering, families accept full financial responsibility for the full session. If you need to withdraw from the session early, a minimum of 3 (three) weeks’ advance written notice is required. This is necessary to find another child to enroll in that space with no loss of income to the program. Families will continue to be charged till the end of the three week period regardless of attendance.
If a child is absent from the program for any reason (whether sick, on vacation, or staying home with a visiting relative), tuition must still be paid and you must contact the director. During unexpected closings, snow days, give back days, or delayed openings, tuition must still be paid.
The Safety of Your Children is Foremost
The Y is following the guidance of OCFS, the CDC, and our local health department to establish best practices in the areas of staff vaccinations, physical distancing, use of protective equipment, program and activity adaptations, and cleaning and sanitation efforts.
If any other sickness-related variables that would affect attendance in the program, the incidents will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and Senior Youth Development Director Rachael Jackson should be contacted if this takes place. For more information, contact Rachael at rjackson@ithacaymca.com or 607-882-9466.
