This is your go-to guide for everything you and your child need to know to be prepared and have an awesome Afterschool experience! Check back during the summer for your branch’s Family Handbook for the 2023-2024 school year.

Still have questions? You’ll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions and some quick details about our program in the Family FAQ's below.

AFTERSCHOOL TRANSPORTATION CONNECTION
We offer a connection service to safely transport students from select Charlotte Mecklenburg, Iredell County, Lincoln County, Union County and charter schools to the YMCA. Please refer to your YMCA branch’s Family Handbook for specific guidelines.

To schedule a bus pick-up from a school, there must be a minimum of five (5) students from that school. Transportation is subject to change.
 
RUNNER FORM
Some of our locations have a transfer service to help get your child from our Afterschool program to another program at the branch. We offer this service for swim lessons, swim team practices, performing arts classes, and sports practices/game. If your child is participating in an additional program at the branch, we require an email or form from the family containing the following information (where applicable):

• Name of student
• Name of program transferring to
• Name of responsible party in transfer program that the student is to be released to
• Day and time of activity/program
• Start and stop dates of the activity/program

Here are some things to bring and remember for a successful day in Afterschool:

• Homework folders and any supplemental materials needed to complete homework activities (books, worksheets, etc.)
• Jackets or coats during colder weather
• Closed toed shoes are preferred for active play
• Refillable water bottle
• No electronics - phones, tablets, gaming systems are all distractions in the classrooms.
• Label everything please!

Afterschool programming is based off of dismissal schedule at the child’s school on scheduled school days. Our program coordinates with school calendars in regards to teacher work days, holidays and student breaks. Check your YMCA branch’s Family Handbook for more details.

Each child will be given a healthy snack upon arrival to the Afterschool program. All snacks provided are peanut free and are a healthy option for children. Water is provided with each snack. We are a peanut free zone for the safety of all that use our classrooms. Please refrain from sending peanut and nut related items in your child’s snack or lunch for the safety of all children.

At participating branches, add-on programs are available to Afterschool Program participants. Please register your child during the regular registration periods for each session.

• During the program hours of 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM, a counselor will be responsible for taking your child to the particular program and returning your child to the Afterschool program unless we are notified otherwise.
• Please be aware of your child’s arrival time from school when choosing a class. We cannot be responsible for a child missing a class or making up that class if we were not properly notified or if you child’s bus does not arrive as scheduled.

PICK-UP
Refer to your YMCA branch’s Family Handbook for details regarding the pick-up process to ensure the safety of our children, staff and members.

AUTHORIZATION
Participants will only be released to the responsible adult listed on your child’s program registration form. Every adult must present a photo ID at rides out. In the event that your child will be picked up by an adult not listed on the registration form, a family note (including the person's name as it appears on their photo ID) is required and photo ID must be shown during rides out. Help us speed up the rides out process by having your ID ready.

EARLY PICK-UP
We understand that there will be times when you need to pick up your child early. When this occurs it is extremely important that you call or email the Director or leave a voicemail with the details of the early pick up. If you have called ahead and given ample time, we will attempt to have your child ready when you arrive. In the event that you come to pick up early and we do not have prior knowledge of the early pick up; we will try to get your child ready for you in a timely fashion as you wait.

Please understand that we use many areas of our facility and children may be participating in an activity away from the building. We have a hand-held radio system that allows us to communicate effectively. However, it may take a few minutes to retrieve the child from the program area. Your patience is appreciated. For the convenience of others and the safety of the children, all early pick-ups need to park in the parking lot and not in the lane in front of the building.

LATE PICK-UP
In fairness to our staff and because of subsequent program demands, it is very important that your child be picked up on time. Refer to the Family Handbook at your YMCA branch for details regarding late pick-up. Failure to pickup your child on time may result in dismissal from the Afterschool program.

PAYMENTS 
Monthly and weekly installment options are available. Installments will vary based on start date and number of days attended in the program. Please see our Sales & Service team for a tailored quote on your Afterschool needs.
 

MY Y SCHOLARSHIPS:
By offering rate adjustments for individuals and families that meet the household income requirements, My Y Scholarships are designed to make the Y affordable for all. Please check in with your closest YMCA of Greater Charlotte branch if you’d like to learn more.