Providing youth with opportunities to continue to learn and engage in meaningful activities at the end of the school day can boost their academic success. To help motivate and inspire kids to learn, the Kosciusko Community YMCA is offering an afterschool program to school-aged children throughout Warsaw Community Schools.

The Y’s after school program combines academics with play and offers a caring and safe environment for youth who may otherwise be left unsupervised. Eisenhower, Harrison, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison and Washington Elementary schools all host the YMCA’s Kids’ Club sites from 6 a.m. until school starts and again after school to 6 p.m. Claypool and Leesburg will also offer care for 3 to 5 year olds in addition to the elementary school aged students from 6 a.m. until school starts to accommodate the Claypool and Leesburg preschools. There is no after school care at Claypool or Leesburg.

During the school year, 15.1 million U.S. children are left unsupervised after 3 p.m., according to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization. In Indiana, 30 percent of children K-12 are left alone and responsible for taking care of themselves.

With the start of the new school year, the Kosciusko Community YMCA encourages parents to make sure that children are involved in safe, educational experiences after school. Studies show participation in after school programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance and reduces gaps in academic achievement among children from disadvantaged households.

More than just babysitting, Kids’ Club has a curriculum involving arts, humanities, health, science, and conflict resolution. Time is also scheduled for homework and the Kids’ Club Caregivers are there to help. There is also plenty of time for fun with group games and activities.

Kids’ Club will continue the Coordinated Approach to Child Health Program. C.A.T.C.H. is an evidence-based program that has been adopted by many Ys across the U.S.  C.A.T.C.H. is fun and encourages participation in over 300 non-elimination games and 32 nutrition activities that help children make healthy choices.

Along with the C.A.T.C.H. program, children will be encouraged to be active for 60 minutes per day. As a result of the C.A.T.C.H. program we hope to develop children who can make positive lifestyle choices, who are more active and who can bring a contagious love of health and wellness back to their families.

The YMCA provides financial assistance for those who qualify. Please apply 3 weeks in advance. We want to make sure that your children can be involved in a program that will benefit their character and educational development, instead of staying home alone.

Information about the Kids’ Club Program will be available at the Warsaw Community Schools’ Open Houses. Register at the YMCA at 1401 E. Smith St., Warsaw. Contact Tonya Douglass at 574-269-9622 with any questions.