Kid Zone — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

Support the YMCA’s Fall School Supply Drive

August 13, 2020

With the new school year set to get underway in the coming weeks, the Y remains dedicated to providing much-needed child care for area families through its Kid Zone and Kid Zone PLUS programs. YMCA members are invited to help support these efforts by participating in our Fall School Supply Drive.

From August 17-31, the Y will be accepting donations of paper towels and tissues at its four facilities. Collection bins will be placed near the Membership Desk. These supplies will be used in the coming months at Kid Zone sites throughout our community.

Galowich Family YMCA and Smith Family YMCA Committed to Serving Area Families this School Year

July 22, 2020

As a provider of important before and after school care, the Galowich and Smith Family YMCAs have the distinct pleasure of working each day with youth in the Joliet area. With the start of the new school year quickly approaching, 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 safely welcome students this fall.

Although the start of the school year will look a little different for many of our families, we remain dedicated to working with our partner school districts to provide much-needed child care. We are currently working with these school districts to finalize our plans for the fall, and look forward to sharing these details in the days and weeks ahead.

Families looking to secure child care through the YMCA for the 2020-2021 school year are encouraged to register for the Y’s Kid Zone program online by clicking below:

Smith Family YMCA Kid Zone

Galowich Family YMCA Kid Zone

Because we are anticipating some changes to our traditional Kid Zone program based on the districts’ instructional plan for the fall, registered Kid Zone families will have the opportunity to opt-in or opt-out of the program without penalty once the districts finalize plans for the 2020-2021 school year. By registering for Kid Zone now, families will secure child care for the fall and help the Y plan for staffing in advance of the school year getting underway.

We will share further updates via email, on social media, and on our website when they become available. In the meantime, we encourage all those with questions to contact:

Galowich Family YMCA
Brooke Hall
Childcare Director
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 316

Smith Family YMCA
Catie Wallis
Youth, Family and Outreach Director
[email protected]
(815) 726-3939, ext. 417

LETTING KIDS BE KIDS

July 26, 2019

KID ZONE SALE

July 29-August 5, 2019

We know that learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. The way your children spend time outside the classroom can make a big difference in their personal development and your family-life balance. The YMCA’s Kid Zone Program provides a safe place for children to keep their mind and body active while learning social skills and positive values. Our caring professionals are committed to helping kids build confidence and character.

From Monday, July 29 until Monday, August 5, families will pay a $0 registration fee when signing up for the Y’s Before and After School Kid Zone Program for the 2019-2020 school year—a savings of $45.

When you register online you can use the promo code KZ45OFF to receive your discount.

To learn more about the Kid Zone Program, click here.

We’re Making a Difference: Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week

April 22, 2019

At the Y, we understand that learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. The way your children spend their time outside of the classroom makes a big difference in their personal development and your family-life balance. The Y’s before and after school Kid Zone program provides a safe place for children to keep their mind and body active while learning social skills and positive values.

At the heart of the Y’s Kid Zone program, you’ll find our dedicated before and after school care team. Every day, this amazing group of Y professionals make a difference in the lives of young people. To celebrate our before and after school care teams, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is participating in Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week. Beginning Monday, April 22 through Friday, April 26, the Y will be devoting time to recognize and appreciate our before and after school care staff.

Join the Movement

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA encourages you to join us in thanking the before and after school care professional in your family’s life. To help make a difference in their lives, you may want to consider these thoughtful ideas:

Give a hand-written note from you or your child to the before and after school care professional in your family’s life.
Show your support on social media using #heartofafterschool
Bring treats to the staff at your childcare program
Send an email to a before or after school care professional’s supervisor describing why that person is appreciated.

As a reminder, Kid Zone registration for the 2019-2020 school year is underway! And, families who register for Kid Zone by Monday, April 29 will pay a $0 registration fee—a savings of $45. To learn more about the Y’s Kid Zone program, visit www.jolietymca.org or speak with your local Y’s Before and After School Care Director during your next visit.