After school early childhood learning program serves children ages 6 to 12 years old in numerous age-appropriate classrooms and programs at three sites, during the school year, vacation weeks and summer months. YWCA after-school programs are fully licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All children enrolled in after-school programs receive:

• an afternoon snack during the school year
• morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack during school vacation weeks and summer
• one-way transportation to the YWCA from school
• full access to YWCA activities, tailored especially for their age group

Where
YWCA after school early childhood learning is available in two locations:

• YWCA main building, Lawrence Street
• South Lawrence East School, Lawrence
• Parthum School, Lawrence

Fees and Times
Parents pay what they can afford, based on a sliding scale which considers family income and size. The YWCA offers year-round programs. During the school-year, the YWCA is open from the end of the school day until 5:30 p.m., except on school holidays. The YWCA is open on school vacations.

Activities
The YWCA provides a safe, nurturing and exciting learning environment for children in each of its programs. Activities are age-appropriate and focus on social, emotional and academic development. The YWCA creates many opportunities for children to make their own choices and exercise creativity.

Children participate in loosely structured, open ended activities that are initiated by them, including table games, reading and homework as well as a variety of structured activities presented to the children each day. Choices include computer projects and lessons, baking or cooking lessons, craft projects, science and writing activities as well as recreational activities such as swimming, drama or games in the gymnasium or park.

Enrichment
Enrichment classes offer children the opportunity to sign up for extended programs designed for focused fun and learning. Enrichment programs rotate and change regularly, and often include evening hours and parent involvement. Children might play on a sports team, create a newspaper, take karate lessons learn a computer program or take a babysitting course.

Youth Technology Programs
The YWCA offers boys and girls access to supervised technology resources that help them improve reading, literacy, math and computer skills.

Major funding for youth technology programs has come from Fleet, Verizon, The Boston Celtics, IBM and the United Way. Children participate in the Fleet Tutoring & Learning Center programs, Verizon’s Keeping Kids on Track, the Celtics’ Read to Achieve Program using equipment and resources donated by IBM’s Teaming for Technology initiative.

The Center provides homework assistance, computer instruction, access to the Internet and incentives for improving academic performance. Children can sign up to work in the center on regular after-school days or take special instructional programs that are offered regularly through enrichment classes.

For additional information, contact: Maricelis Ortiz.