Child & Youth Development | YMCA of Orange County (2024)

TK/Learning Bridge Program

Learning Bridge is a structured, academic enrichment program that reinforces concepts taught in your child’s classroom-based on state and district standards. This expanded learning program operates on all school days from TK dismissal until all school dismissal. Extended childcare also available until 6pm. Learning Bridge is available for enrolled TK students at select YMCA childcare sites. Contact your nearest location for more information.

Core Components of the Expanded Program include:

• Language Arts/Literacy
• S.T.E.M.
• Construction/Problem Solving
• Mathematics/Manipulative Activities
• Arts and Humanities
• Social Emotional Learning
• Character Development
• Inclusion support for children with special needs

Youth experience curriculum through a variety of content areas, hands-on activities, clubs, service learning projects, and enrichment centers. YMCA curriculum is flexible and fun and children are included in the planning process. Children engage in hands-on activities that develop critical-thinking skills, problem solving, working within a team and more. In addition, the program especially allows children the opportunity to learn through enrichment programs that develop knowledge and application of STEAM; Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

Core Components of the Club Curriculum

• Homework Support
• Art & Culture
• Science
• Technology

Core Elements of the Club Curriculum

• Social Competence and Personal Development
• Character Education
• Literacy
• Diversity & Cultural Awareness

Y Kids are Club Kids

Clubs will engage your child and encourage them to explore their talents, interests, and abilities in a safe &supportive environment. Current clubs include:

• Art
• Computer Science
• Cooking
• Engineering
• Meteorology
• Gardening
• Sports
• Photography
• Science

Clubs offer the chance for kids to develop new hobbies and help in the activity planning process. Clubs vary bylocation.

• Parents/guardians will check-in and pick up children outside of child care rooms.
• Parents/guardians will need to confirm health statements prior to sign-in.
• All children will be subject to contactless temperature checks.
• Any child exhibiting signs of an illness cannot be accepted.
• Face coverings for childcare participants are required. All children are required to have a face-covering readily available at the center. Face coverings will be made available to anyone who arrives without one.

Symptom Tree Chart

• Huntington Beach
• Laguna Niguel/Aliso Viejo
• Mission Viejo/RSM/Ladera Ranch/Rancho Mission Viejo
• Newport Beach/Costa Mesa
• Orange
• San Clemente/San Juan Capistrano/Dana Point
• Santa Ana/Tustin
• Pomona/Diamond Bar/Phillips Ranch
• East San Gabriel Valley

The YMCA is proud of its heritage and commitment to make its character-building, family enriching programs available to everyone in the communities we serve. Annually, we receive support from hundreds of members, community leaders, and businesses who believe in our purpose and contribute generously to our Annual Campaign, investing in youth and families. Funds are distributed to families with a financial need in our community.

Financial Assistance Form

Financial Assistance Form (Spanish)

Holiday Breaks and Pupil Free Days – What you need to know!

Pupil Free Days – The YMCA offers full-day child care on specific singular days when school is not session. These singular days are included with all full-time monthly fees and with part-time fees as long as the pupil free day falls on one of your regularly scheduled days. If the pupil free day does not fall within your current part-time schedule, an additional fee will apply. These days the Y will offer curriculum-based activities, outdoor play, and more. Please check with your Y director to see a full list of included days.

Holiday Breaks: The YMCA offers full-day child care on specific weeks when school is not in session. All children are welcome to attend and participate in curriculum-based activities, outdoor play, and more. If you are a full-time family, these days/weeks are included with your monthly fee of $650. If you are a part-time family these days are not included in your monthly fee. If you would like to enroll your child to attend any of these days/weeks, please speak with your site director. They can discuss with you the additional fees required and provide you with will all the necessary paperwork. The Holiday Breaks schedule include:

• Winter Recess
• Thanksgiving Recess
• Spring Break
• Summer Break – Please see separate information below pertaining to Summer Break.

What are the additional fees for Holiday Breaks? Part-time families who wish to attend full-days during the holiday breaks will transition to the $650 per month plan for the specific set of days, the amount will be pro-rated, and the plan will automatically revert back after the days have been completed.

Will I have to pay an additional registration fee? No additional registration fees will be required to change from part-time to full-time for Holiday Breaks.

Will I lose my spot in my regular part-time program if I make this change? No, the change will only be for the specific requested days/weeks. Once those have been completed, you will automatically revert to your regular schedule, unless otherwise discussed differently.

Summer Break. The YMCA provides Summer Day Camp programming on school campuses during the summer school break. We offer full-time and part-time options. All families are required to register and pay a non-refundable Activities fee of $100. Learn more about Summer Day Camp Programming at https://ymcaoc.org/summer-day-camp/

YMCA child care locations offer full-day camps during periods when school is in recess. Click below for more information.

Spring Break Camp

Summer Day Camp

Winter Day Camp

$100 Childcare Credit
Refer a friend to the YMCA Child Care Program and when they enroll, you get a $100 credit!

Up to 50% Off Youth Programs*
Participants of our YMCA Child Care Program are eligible for up to 50% off youth programs at YMCAOC Health & Fitness centers.
*must be enrolled in a fee-based child care program.

50% Off Fitness Facility Membership
Active Child Care Program participants get 50% off family membership at YMCAOC Health & Fitness Centers – Only $46/month for the whole family!
*must be enrolled in fee-based child care program. Discounts are not retroactive to previous months of service or membership at the time being requested.

**Offers may not be combined. Some exclusions apply.

At the YMCA Child & Youth Development Program our goal is to build strong, resilient individuals and families, knowing that they are the cornerstone of thriving communities.

Our philosophy revolves around fostering a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment that instills peace of mind for families when they cannot be present themselves. We recognize the crucial role that family and community life play in shaping a child’s experiences, which is why our programs are designed to cater to the needs of the entire family unit.

We are firm advocates for instilling positive character traits in youth, knowing that these qualities are foundational to their development of healthy self-esteem and a sense of responsibility towards others. Through our programs, children learn to navigate challenges with resilience and compassion, ultimately becoming positive contributors to their communities.

Central to our approach is the belief in the uniqueness of each child. We make it our priority to understand and appreciate their individuality – their talents, interests, and areas for growth. By building strong, trusting relationships, and focusing on their inherent strengths, we empower children to realize their full potential.

Collaboration with local schools is integral to our mission. We believe that by supporting children in their academic endeavors, we can set them up for success both inside and outside the classroom. Our holistic approach extends beyond traditional education, providing hands-on activities that reinforce learning and offer real-world applications.

Parent Handbook
Parent Handbook – Middle School Program
YMCA Financial Assistance Program
YMCA Financial Assistance Program – Espanol
Emergency Contact Update Form
EFT Form
Change Form
Withdrawal Form