Youth Services

YWkids School Age Program

The YWkids School Age Program of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts was established to serve families in need of quality care for the school age child. The YWkids staff strives to acknowledge, respect and design ways to accommodate the uniqueness of each child so that all may reach their fullest potential.

The YWkids School Age Program is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care.

philosophy

The YWkids school age program was established to serve families in need of quality care for the school age child.

The YWkids school age program strives to offer educational and developmental opportunities beyond the school experience. The program takes on the challenge of assuring that the child has the chance to appreciate music, visual art, dance and literature. It excites their interest in nature, discovery, and invention. Activities, discussion and field trips are designed to enable children to make connections in their lives enhancing their thought processes and decision making abilities. The YWkids School Age Child Care Program offers a place where children are free and safe to dream.

activities

The YWkids School Age Program is designed to offer:

  • Educational experiences in a structured environment.
  • Hands-on, theme based activities in subjects such as art, physical education, science, literature and other areas lead children through the discovery process as individuals, partners, and as members of a group.
  • Emphasis on the creative process guides the program offerings.

staff

Our group leaders are trained in educational philosophies that enhance the program and meet or exceed Department of Early Education and Care requirements.

site

YWkids is located at 89 Merrimac St. in New Bedford. We occupy the three floors of the charming old school house offering an abundance of space for the various age groups we serve. Outside, we utilize nearby parks for free play, structured learning activities, and sports. If you are interested in our program, we encourage you to visit us during normal program hours.

hours

YWkids is in operation from Monday through Thursday, 2:30pm to 5:30pm and Friday, 1:00pm to 5:30pm.

During the summer, school closures and vacation days, the program is open 7:30am to 5:30pm.

fees

  • $20.00/day
  • Vouchers are accepted from PACE
  • Contracted slots are offered to those who meet income guidelines
  • Supportive Services are available through referrals from the Department of Social Services.

transportation

Transportation from most New Bedford schools to our program is included in the fee. Daily private rate for transportation is $6.00 one way and $9.00 round trip.

referrals

The YWkids School Age Program exists to serve the needs of both you and your children. If we can assist you with additional or alternative placements, please call us at 508-992-2332.

ywkids school age program is funded in part by contracts with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New Bedford Cultural Council, United Way of Greater New Bedford, and the Sean McDonough Charitable Foundation.

girls exclusive

The Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford and the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts have teamed together to introduce a new and exciting program for girls ages 12 to 16.  “Girls Exclusive” provides goals for the future for each individual girl in a caring adult environment that promotes friendship, creativity, fun and exposure to new ideas and concepts.

The program motivates girls to stay in school and apply themselves to their studies to the best of their individual ability.  They learn about careers and the necessary educational and training requirements for future career opportunities.  The program addresses several areas of impact, such as improving self-esteem, thus reducing the affect of peer pressure and negative social images through education; it also promotes healthy practices, financial literacy, and racial equality.

Girls Exclusive is funded in part by the Women’s Fund of Southeastern Massachusetts.

girls giving and growing

Summer program for girls ages 10-13. Series of activities including Community Boating, New Bedford Oceanarium Science on a Sphere, WOW Mobile, Trip aboard Research Vessel Enviro-Lab, Growing Money curriculum, amazing women activities, field trips to local banks, malls, and other area attractions, fitness and nutrition, arts and crafts, fundraising and community service, teambuilding, babysitting, racial justice actvities and guest speakers.

Girls Giving and Growing is funded in part by the New Bedford Cultural Council, New Bedford Day Nursery, United Way of Greater New Bedford, the Women’s Fund of Southeastern Massachusetts and the Upstream Foundation.

tween 2 teen (formerly teen talk)

An “Invest-In-Kids” program conducted in the New Bedford schools, which provides group activities for pre-teen girls ages 10-12. Girls learn various tools and values in becoming a teen with a well-rounded personality. They explore their self-identity, learn about nutrition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, home alone safety, babysitting, etiquette, and tools towards budgeting and financial empowerment.

Tween 2 Teen is funded in part by the Mayor’s Invest-in- Kids Program. This project is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education. This material does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Massachusetts Department of Education or the federal government.

home alone and babysitting

Full day courses open to boys and girls ages 9-16, offered at the YWCA and off site locations. Provides safety and emergency information, basic child care, activities and negotiation of expectations and fees.

For more information on any of our Youth Services programs, please contact Catherine Bourassa, Director of Programs and Services or Kathryn Nunes,Teen Services Coordinator at the YWCA: 508-999-3255 or by email: cbourassa@ywcasema.org or teenservices@ywcasema.org.