Y Care before-and after-school programs serve children from age 5-12 in an enriching child-focused, child-directed environment that promotes the exploration of their interests and talents. The Y focuses programming on research-based approaches to social-emotional growth and development in children. Our programs work closely with area school districts to support children’s achievement.
For more information, including pricing and locations, please select your child’s school district.
For additional questions, please refer to our FAQ below or our parent handbook.
PARENT HANDBOOK
RATES AND LOCATIONS
RATES FOR SCHOOL YEAR 24/25*
Times | Program Member rates | Facility Member rates |
Full-Time Before/After 4-5 days/week, AM+PM |
$615/month | $570/month |
Before School 4-5 days/week, AM only |
$335/month | $325/month |
After School 4-5 days/week, PM only |
$445/month | $415/month |
Part-Time 3 days/week, AM+PM |
$485/month | $470/month |
Drop-In As needed, based on availability |
$20/morning $35/afternoon $55/full day |
$20/morning $35/afternoon $55/full day |
* Rates differ for Horizons and Seven Oaks – click on each for details.
* December and June rates are half of the regular rate for all categories except drop-in.
LOCATIONS
Y Care with the South Sound YMCA operates at over 30 schools in these districts:
- North Thurston School District
- Olympia School District
- Shelton School District
- Tumwater School District
Click below to find your school’s contact information and DCYF provider number:
FIND YOUR SCHOOL’S CONTACT INFORMATION
*Y Care at Boston Harbor will be located at Roosevelt Elementary. Bus transportation will be provided.
*Y Care at Madison will be located at Olympia Regional Learning Academy. Bus transportation will be provided.
*Y Care at LP Brown will be located at Hansen Elementary. Bus transportation will be provided.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
CHILD CARE FOR ALL
Our goal is to make high-quality, state licensed child care accessible to anyone. All of our school-based locations are state-licensed. We are proud to accept state child care benefits through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Additionally, thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses around our community, the Y offers financial assistance to ensure all kids and families have access to our programs. Please email childcare@ssymca.net to learn more.
FAMILY COPAYMENT FOR SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE
Thanks to recent changes, the state of Washington expanded the number of families who qualify for the DCYF child care subsidy program. More families than ever can qualify for up to 100% of their child care costs to be covered.
The Department of Children, Youth and Families makes final determinations on qualifications and co-pays. Click the button below to see if you qualify. Note that co-pays listed on the chart represent total family contributions per month.
Click here to see if you qualify
Apply Online With DCYF
MILITARY FAMILIES
The South Sound YMCA partners with Child Care Aware of America to provide an Army fee-assistance program to families. For more information, please visit their website at childcareaware.org.
PROGRAM VS FACILITY MEMBERSHIP
Consider adding a family facility membership! In addition to facility access, members receive discounts on child care, swim lessons, youth sports, and more! Learn more here!
Y Care FAQs
Do I need to be a Facility Member to register?
Nope! Families only need to be registered as Program Members to use our child care services. Program Memberships have zero cost and must be renewed every 12 months.
Consider becoming a Facility Member to receive a discount on child care plus other youth programs. Learn more about membership at the link below.
What are my payment schedule options?
Payment is automatically scheduled for the 1st of each month. If you would like to split payments between the 1st & 15th, please contact us at childcare@ssymca.net
Do I have to pay the registration fee every year?
Yes. The registration fee is a required fee at the beginning of every new Before & After school program season.
Is Y Care offered at ______ Elementary?
Current location offerings can be found at the page below along with DCYF provider and phone numbers.
Don't see your school district? Contact us to learn why.
I receive support from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), can I use that here?
Yes! Please contact our Youth Development Team directly by calling (360) 918-0400 for more information.
How can I find out if I'm eligible to receive support from the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)?
There are a number of factors the state uses to determine qualification. Applying only takes 15 minutes - give us a call and we can walk you through it. If you currently qualify for free and reduced lunch at your school, there's a good chance you'd qualify for deeply subsidized childcare, which may cost as little as $0/month.
What are the hours of operation?
Y CARE HOURS OF OPERATION
- Morning Y Care opens at 7:00AM and operates until the beginning of school.
- Afternoon Y Care opens after school has finished for the day and runs until 6:00PM.
CAMP HOURS OF OPERATION
- Camps (Winter, Spring, Summer) operate from 7 AM until 6 PM.
What happens if school closes due to inclement weather?
We’ll notify staff and parents of Y Care delays and closures through Flash Alert, a free service. Please register in advance of inclement weather to be sure you get the alerts you need when it’s time.
Please call your Y Care site prior to dropping off your child if you’re unsure of the status.
If school is delayed or canceled this is what you can expect:
- If school is delayed, AM Y Care is closed.
- If school closes early, PM Y Care is not opened.
- If school is canceled for the day, AM+PM Y Care is closed.
Schedule Change / Cancelation Polices
Families are required to give two weeks’ notice prior to draft date to make cancellation of or decrease/increase care. Schedule Change Requests will need to be emailed to childcare@ssymca.net. Please include child’s name, site location, old rate plan, and new rate plan.
All refund requests must be approved by the Youth and Community Department. Refunds will be reviewed and processed within 7-11 business days and are available in the form of system credits in the computer, check, or debit/credit card. A debit/credit card refund is only available if the original payment was made with the debit/credit card. Please allow 7 business days for refunds to show back into account. A $5 processing fee will be applied to all check refunds. System credits expire one year from date issued and unclaimed amounts will be considered a donation to the South Sound YMCA.