LEXINGTON -- The Mansfield Area YMCA will expand into the Lexington School District by offering licensed, before- and after-school programming, beginning this fall.
"It will be a latch-key run at the schools -- before and after -- and also on snow days," said Velma Bond, childcare director at the YMCA. The programs will be run at the three elementary schools -- Western, Central and Eastern -- from 6 a.m. until the first bell and after school from the final bell until 6 p.m. The cost of the program is $35 a week, per student for those sending their child to either before- or after-school care. Those who chose both daycare options will pay $60. "We want to be a safe haven for kids," Bond said. "Just have a safe place, tutor, physical activities and a nutritional snack. They also won't be by themselves after school."
The YMCA has served neighboring community families with before- and after-school care for more than 35 years. The Y is experienced in providing quality, affordable before and after school programs in Richland County. The family fitness center is the largest before- and after-school provider in Richland County, statewide and nationally. "Our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are incorporated in all aspects of our programming," the YMCA said in a press release. "Centered around our core values, our Y Kids Club curriculum features a variety of activities which include; homework assistance, CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health), art, games, recreational indoor and outdoor play."