Program | Days & Times | Locations | School
In-Service & Holidays | Half
Days | Weather | Enrollment
Procedure | Tuition & Fees | IRS
Information | Holidays | Staffing | Transportation | How
Parents Can Be Helpful
The Knoxville YMCA invites students
in grades Kindergarten – Fifth to join YMCA
Child Care Services, a licensed child care program
which takes place in 12 locations throughout Knox
County. This program is conducted in cooperation
with the Knox County school system.
The YMCA is dedicated to providing
quality youth programs which has an overall goal
of providing quality care in a safe, healthy, and
fun atmosphere. Many activities are offered at each
site for your child to participate. We operate on
a child choice system. The children will be given
options during activity times to choose from. Healthy
snacks are provided each day.
The YMCA programs are different from
routine baby-sitting because it provides a variety
of supervised activities and fun-filled events. Ratios
are kept low to provide more individual attention.
Our staff is fun, responsible, and caring, chosen
for their experience with and love of children. At
least one staff member is certified in CPR and First
Aid, and all attend on-going training. The YMCA Child
Care Services Programs are open to all children regardless
of race, color, sex, handicap, religion or national
origin. The YMCA never denies anyone participation
in a program due to financial restrictions
The Tennessee Department of Human Services licenses the program. All programs
participate in the state's STAR Quality Rating System.
Discovery Learning Stations
This is a time for children to choose from a variety of activities designed
to stimulate imagination and develop independent choice. Activities may
include board games, books, puzzles, manipulatives, dramatic play, construction,
science & exploration and math/language explorations etc.
Snack Time
We provide a nutritious snack for active bodies. Snacks will follow DHS guidelines,
and will include items such as fruit, crackers, pretzels, popcorn, and
100% fruit juice. If your child has any dietary restrictions, please be
sure to indicate so on your child’s registration form.
Children will not be permitted to
buy food from school vending machines at any time
while at YMCA Child Care Services.
Play Time/ Activity Time / Health & Nutrition
This includes time in the gym or on the playground, group games, team sports,
and special events. These are designed to develop strength and coordination
as well as cooperation and team work. This time is also utilized to discuss and conduct activities on health, nutrition, and the benefits of physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.
Club Time
This is a time for arts and crafts, science and nature, roller hockey, chess,
cooking, sign language, sewing, etc. Projects will be based on the interest, needs, and age of
the children. Children will learn to work with a variety of materials that
develop new skills. Clubs will vary at each site based on the talents of staff and interests of children
Character Counts!
This is a special time for discussion, sharing, and problem solving, where
each child will have the opportunity to share thoughts, feelings and ideas.
Our goal is to utilize this time to develop self-esteem and character.
The Character Counts! program is based on the six pillars of character:
Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Fairness, and Citizenship.
Power Half Hour/Quiet Time
This is a chance for the older children to work on homework while the younger
children participate in relaxing activities such as reading, story time,
or puzzles.
KidzLit
YMCA KidzLit was developed to provide curriculum to YMCAs concerned with
the reading and literacy level of the children they serve. The curriculum
helps build important literacy skills, develops an appreciation for reading,
and reinforces the YMCA character development values. It is part of the
YMCA Strong Communities Agenda and provides wonderful curricula for YMCA
school age care.
Community Service and Learning
Children and staff have time to talk about society’s needs and skills for caring for one another. Areas covered include relating to others, team work, accepting diversity, non-violence, problem solving and caring for and respecting each other. Service projects are developed and worked through together. Children will have the opportunity to participate in at least one site specific project per year (i.e. toys for tots, food drives, cards for mobile meals recipients, etc).
Parent & Family Events
At least once per quarter, each location will offer a parent/family event. These events are held in order to foster healthy family togetherness time in a low cost and supportive environment. Examples include but are not limited to family board game night, family parent/child group games, family potluck, Healthy Kids Day, Parent’s Night Out, etc. Some events are held during program hours and on site, while others are held off site during non-traditional program time. Please watch your parent newsletters and parent communication board for more information.
Parent Education Workshops
Our goal is to “Build a healthier community, one person at a time” it is for this reason and many more that we offer a parent education workshop once per quarter as well. The YMCA strives to help with all areas of your families needs. Topics range from health & wellness, healthy cooking, money management, and child development, to stress reduction and family fun ideas. Watch your parent newsletters for information regarding these upcoming events.
TV/Video Policy
Occasionally our program will show a movie during program hours that is theme related or for a special occasion. Movies will be developmentally appropriate. Our movie listing is on the parent information board or on the parent communication area. Please check lesson plans for these occasions. For those who do not wish to view the movie, other activities will be available during this time.
:
The YMCA serves approximately 1500 children each year in after school programs and summer day camp from 17 schools through out Knox and Jefferson counties.
- The staff to child ratio is 1:15 (State mandate – 1:20).
- Character Development Program – Values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are incorporated into all YMCA activities.
- Training in Life Skills – Social development, self-control, and self-discipline/conflict resolution.
- Family Services – Parent boards, resource and referrals, family education opportunities and Family Fun nights.
- Choice Driven Program – Developmentally appropriate, staff initiated activities.
- More than half a million dollars was awarded in financial assistance last year through sliding-scale fees, emergency assistance, and immediate placement into programs with fee waivers.
- Families who are able to afford the entire rate and who are supplemented by the state of TN through the certificate are giving back to those individuals who need help. These fees help to offset our scholarship fund in addition to fundraising campaigns in the YMCA and United Way monies.
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YMCA Child Care Services follows
the Knox County School schedule. The programs operate
during the school year from dismissal until 6:00 p.m.
and during the summer from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Bearden Elementary*** |
973-4074 |
Beaumont Magnet School*** |
973-1210 |
Blue Grass Elementary
School*** |
539-0979 |
Dandridge Elementary*** |
397-4785 |
Fountain City Elementary*** |
689-3959 |
Green Magnet School*** |
973-1130 |
| Hardin Valley Elementary*** |
670-4008 |
| North Side Branch*** |
922.1121 |
| Pleasant Ridge Elementary*** |
237-1154 |
| Sarah Moore Greene*** |
524-0206 |
| Spring Hill Elementary |
237-1477 |
| Sunnyview Primary*** |
594-1878 |
| West Side Branch*** |
690-9622 |
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Full day care is provided
at most YMCA child care sites. Check with your Site
Director about the availability of service at your
site. Service can only be provided if enough participants
sign up in advance. In the event that your site is
not open you will be referred to the YMCA facility
nearest you. YMCA facility programs will always be
open on these days. Children should bring a lunch
unless otherwise notified. The base fee for the day
is $15. There may be an additional cost depending
on the activities planned for the day.
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Care will be provided on school half days at no extra charge at most locations.
This decision is made in conjunction with each school sites principal. See
each site director for more information..
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Programs that operate at school sites will not open if school system closes the schools for the day prior to the school day beginning. We apologize for the inconvenience, however the safety of the children and the security of the school facility guide this decision due to the fact that school security and maintenance personnel are not available. If your child attends a school site you may call a branch location to see if space is available.
Programs at YMCA facility locations will open as soon as possible—but in most cases of snow will be closed. Therefore, please call the YMCA before bringing your child.
On the days the school system closes school early because of snow or any other inclement weather prior to 1:00 p.m. we will make every effort to get staff to the school as soon as possible to aid in dismissal, however children will be dismissed from the school in the school’s car-rider pick-up line and NOT to the YMCA for care. If school dismisses early at 1:00 p.m. or after, we will make every effort to have staff to the school as soon as possible to wait with your child until you can pick-up early from the YMCA. We will not be open for a full afternoon of care and in most cases will not be able to accept 2:45 dismissal children to the YMCA for care due to Knox County Policy, therefore we ask that on days such as these that you pick up your child as soon as possible so that everyone can get home safely.
If your child attends a location where YMCA provides transportation from school, this service may not be provided if school is closed early due to inclement weather it is at the bus company’s discretion for safety reasons. Please call prior to assuming YMCA will pick up. If transportation is not offered due to safety reasons, it will be the parent’s responsibility to arrange transportation.
In most cases we will use WATE channel 6 to relay information. You may also call the child care services offices at 865-546-0600 or your child’s site directly. In addition you can become a “YMCA of East Tennessee” Friend on Facebook and get up to the minute inclement weather decisions there. See www.ymcaknoxville.org to become a fan.
Click here to view the YMCA of East Tennessee's Inclement Weather Policy
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YMCA After School is open
to children at any of the 12 school locations where
we operate. Also, at any school where transportation
to one of the two branch facilities is offered. Participants
will be accepted in order of registration and on
a space available basis. For your convenience you
may register at any one of our 13 YMCA After School
locations. Parents must participate in an orientation
session with the site director prior to the child
attending.
Registration must be completed
on site. A completed registration form along with
a $50 registration fee is required as well. The
form along with the fee should be turned in to
your Site Director. For further information and/or
to receive a form, contact the main Childcare Services
office at 546-0600 or write YMCA Child Care Services,
7609 Maynardville Hwy • Knoxville, TN 37938.
Click
here to download After School Brochure
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Tuition varies depending
on child's age, siblings participating and if you
are a YMCA Member. Please call your Site Director
or the Child Care Services office at 546-0600 for
current rates and fees. CAC funding is accepted.
The YMCA never denies anyone participation due to
financial restrictions. Subsidized fees are available
to families that qualify.
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- The YMCA can provide you with
a W-10 for tax purposes upon request.
- A summary of fees paid the previous
year will not be provided.Parents are responsible
for retaining receipts for their records. Contact
YMCA management if you are not receiving your
weekly receipts.The YMCA tax ID number is – 62-40-75-700
- The address for tax purposes is:
YMCA of East Tennessee
605 West Clinch Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37902
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Care will not be provided
on the following holidays:
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
July 4th
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Years Eve
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All staff are required
to participate in ongoing training throughout the
school year. Workshops include the YMCA of the USA
certification courses “Principles of YMCA Child
Care” and “Working with 5 to 9 Year Olds.” All
staff members are required to be certified in First-Aid
and CPR. Staff have been selected for their educational
and practical experience, as well as their special
skills and ability to relate to children in a positive
manner. Our goal is to maintain the following staff:
child ratios at all times.
Kindergarten – 1:12
First – Fifth grades – 1:15
Field trips – 1:7
Maximum group size – 1:25
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The YMCA provides transportation
at the following Knox County schools to our two branch
facility locations:
North Side pick up for Adrian Burnette
Elementary, Halls Elementary,
and Gibbs Elementary.
West Side pick up for Cedar Bluff
Primary and Intermediate, and West Hills Elementary
All of our drivers have CDL certification,
driving history check, physical exam, DHS training,
and Department of Safety training. We utilize contract
drivers. If there are concerns please contact YMCA
management immediately.
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YMCA Child Care Services
is more than baby-sitting! Please help us impress
upon your child that this is a special program designed
to meet his/her needs and interests, where cooperation
and team work are vital for safety and fun.
YMCA Child Care Services appreciate
parents that keep us informed of his/her child’s
special needs or any transitions in the child’s
home life (divorce, birth of new child, death, etc.)
This helps the staff to remain sensitive to your
child’s needs.
Parents are welcome to volunteer with
the program in the following ways:
Joining the Parent Advisory Committee
Donating used toys, games, or books
Providing input and suggestions about our program
Completing and returning parent evaluations
Presenting special programs using hobbies or careers as topics
Saving household items to be used as arts and crafts supplies
Going on field trips
Parents are welcome to visit the program
at anytime!
Site Directors will schedule two parent/teacher
conferences per school year. If at anytime the need
arises, a conference can be scheduled.
Parents will receive a monthly newsletter
filled with information about activities and upcoming
events. Please also check the parent bulletin board
at your child’s site for scheduling and licensing
information.
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