Before & After School Care
The Y offers children ages 4 to 12 a fun and safe way to being and end every school day. With over 200 locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area, our before and after school program provides licensed care, connection, and belonging.
About Before & After School Programs
We provide:
- Licensed child care for children ages 4 to 12 at select locations
- Care before and after school, Monday to Friday (hours vary by location)
- Programming at over 200 locations across the GTA
Program Details
Kindergarten Extended Day Program (Ages 4–5)
Created for children attending full-day kindergarten, this program offers a warm, welcoming space where young learners can continue to grow beyond the school bell.
Key features include:
- Small group ratio of 1:13 (one educator to 13 children)
- A play-based approach using the YMCA Playing to Learn™ curriculum
- Aligned with Ontario’s Ministry of Education Extended Day Program guidelines
- Monthly documentation highlighting learning through play
- Ongoing communication between YMCA educators and school kindergarten teachers for a seamless experience
- Opportunities to explore socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically through play
Your child will have the chance to:
- Dive deeper into topics introduced in kindergarten
- Discover nature and the outdoors
- Express creativity through art
- Explore science, math, and early literacy
- Build social skills, solve problems, and strengthen motor skills
School-Age Program (Ages 6–12)
Designed to feel like a second home, our school-age programs empower children to learn, lead, and connect with others in a fun, club-like environment.
What’s included:
- Small group ratios of 1:15 for ages 6–8, and 1:20 for ages 9–12
- Guided by the YMCA A Place to Connect™ curriculum
- Program plans co-created by YMCA educators and children based on their interests
- A minimum of 45 minutes of daily physical activity
- Opportunities to build leadership and teamwork skills
- Homework help and space for creativity
- A space where children feel like they belong and can explore their world with confidence
A Curriculum Based on Community and Connection
The YMCA A Place to Connect™ curriculum offers children an opportunity to:
- Build confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging
- Develop leadership, teamwork, and positive relationship skills
- Explore activities shaped by their interests, choices, and ideas
- Grow socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively through meaningful experiences and play
Licensed Child Care Club
Offered during March Break, Summer Break, and Winter Break, this program gives children ages 4 to 12 a chance to keep learning through play when school’s out.
Highlights include:
- Arts and crafts
- Sports, games, and outdoor fun
- Team projects that encourage leadership and collaboration
- Based on YMCA Child Care curricula
Please note: This program is available to families currently registered in a YMCA Licensed Child Care program. CWELCC discounts are applied to eligible fees at registration.
Take a Peek Inside a Before and After School Classroom
Explore Jenny's dynamic Before & After School classroom, where children's creativity and curiosity come to life! From building magical trains to creating glitter potions, these activities are based on the children's interests, making learning both engaging and impactful.
Featured Reads for Families
A few helpful blogs that offer a closer look at play-based learning, educator insights and your child’s growth at the Y.
How to Introduce Crochet to Your Child
Learn how a simple ball of yarn can help children build focus, patience, creativity and confidence, one stitch at a time.
What to Expect from Before and After School
Learn how Weemarkable posts highlight real learning, track development and connect you with educators in your child's classroom.
Meet a Before and After School Educator: Jenny
Get to know Jenny, a YMCA educator who helps children turn their ideas into meaningful projects.
Benefits of Being a Before and After School Educator
Explore how working as a YMCA Before and After School Educator can offer mentorship, connection, and room to grow.
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Caring for a family in crisis
"When Evelyn turned two, news came that no one can prepare for: her father, Derek, had cancer.
“The Y offered us support at every turn,” says her mom, Helen. “Evelyn’s care was the one thing we never had to worry about.”
When Derek passed away, on top of everything else, Helen suddenly had to adjust to living on a single income. The Y stepped in with financial assistance, helping maintain a familiar, loving environment for Evelyn. “They provided us with stability while we were dealing with so much.”
When you donate to the Y, you help provide financial assistance for families like Evelyn’s, giving them access to care and support when they need it most.