To help motivate and inspire kids to discover their potential, the Valley Shore YMCA is offering afterschool programs to school-aged children throughout Westbrook, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex and Old Saybrook schools. The Y’s afterschool program combines academics with play and offers a caring and safe environment where youth can achieve, feel a sense of belonging, build relationships and explore new interests.
One in four U.S. children is left unsupervised at the end of school day, according to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization. With the start of the new school year, the Valley Shore YMCA encourages parents/caregivers to make sure that children are involved in safe, educational experiences after school hours.
“Research shows that afterschool programs can help children perform better in school, practice healthy habits and engage in positive lifestyle behaviors. If left unsupervised at the end of the school day, students miss out on positive influences that encourage achievement and deter risk-taking activities,” said Kathy Scholl, School Age Program Director, Valley Shore YMCA.
She continues, “The Y’s afterschool programs promote a love for learning, social and emotional development, healthy choices, and provide children with an extra support system through positive role models and caring adults.”
The Y is a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of every child and through afterschool programming, supporting their social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development from birth to career. In the Valley Shore YMCA’s afterschool program youth receive homework help and attention to healthy eating during snack time and can also explore arts and crafts and physical activity all under the guidance of our enthusiastic Y staff.
Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.
For more information about the Valley Shore YMCA’s afterschool program, contact Kathy School, School Age Program Director, at 860.399.9622 ext 118, [email protected] or visit vsymca.org.