Kid Zone PLUS
ALWAYS HERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY
As a long time provider of before and after school care in Will and Grundy counties, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has the distinct pleasure of working each day with youth in our communities. With the start of the new school year underway, we are continuing to monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local, state and federal health officials to ensure our YMCA is prepared to welcome students to our before and after school programs.
Although this school year will look a little different for many families in our community, the Y remains dedicated to working with our partner school districts to provide much-needed child care through our new Kid Zone PLUS program.
Kid Zone PLUS Program Curriculum
The YMCA’s character building campaign pledges to incorporate the values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility in to all of its youth programming. Our Kid Zone PLUS program will provide a resource-rich environment for children in grades K-8. Students will participate in activities throughout the day that focus on arts and humanities, character development, wellness, fitness, and literacy. Significant time each day will also be dedicated to students’ remote learning activities.
Health and Safety Guidelines
Because the safety of our community remains our top priority, we have made modifications to our policies and programs to facilitate new safety and social distancing guidelines. To maintain a healthy and safe environment, all Kid Zone PLUS participants and staff will be required to adhere to strict health and safety guidelines, including:
• Daily health screenings and temperature checks
• Mask requirements
• Frequent hand washing
• Students will be divided into small groups by grade levels to ensure social distancing can be maintained throughout the day. Each group will have its own designated spaces and equipment.
• High-touch areas are sanitized hourly.
To see a full list of health and safety guidelines, as well as frequently asked questions, click here.
Financial Assistance
At the YMCA, no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. DHS funds are accepted. Financial assistance is also available.
Let's Work Together
Our Kid Zone PLUS program will continue to evolve to meet the needs of families throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Program hours and daily activities will be adjusted to coordinate with each participating school district’s plans for instruction.
To learn more about program hours, fees and locations, or to register today, select your local YMCA below.
Select a Location to Learn More
OUR TEAM
Our low staff-to-child ratio allows our team to give each student the attention and guidance to create a positive and safe environment. Each counselor is at least 18-years-old, highly trained and often certified in a number of Health, Safety and Child Development courses, including:
• American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED
• American Red Cross Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injector
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Prevention/Recognition of Child Abuse
• Sexual Harassment Prevention
