A Partner to Parents

Parents everywhere are trying to figure out how are they going to work, support their child's virtual school program, do both effectively, and afford it all?

The Y is here to help. With the support of a generous funder, we can now offer financial assistance for families in Baltimore County who earn up to $70,000 annually and want help affording enrollment in Y Academic Support Centers: safe, convenient locations in Ys and schools across the region. Parents confidently drop off their children to log in and participate in their school's virtual learning program. Children receive in-person academic support from Y associates specially trained in virtual learning support (many directly trained by your child's school system). 

You get to work. Your children get to learn. It's as simple as that. 

The Y is extremely well-versed in keeping children and families safe during these times. Since March 2020, we have safely served thousands of children and families in Y Emergency Childcare for Essential Workers, Y Preschool, Y Camp, and in Y Centers.

Y Academic Support Centers are safe and convenient locations where parents can confidently drop their children off to log in and participate in their school's virtual learning program and receive in-person academic support from Y associates specially trained in virtual learning support, many directly trained by your child's school system -- all while parents work and get their jobs done.

KEY BENEFITS

• Children receive a safe, structured environment where they can focus on their schoolwork, complete their assignments, and get help from well-trained Y associates as needed.
• Parents can re-focus on their work with the peace of mind that their children are safely cared for and their virtual education is being supported.
• Students can participate at any Y Academic Support Center, regardless of where they live or where they attend school.
• Affordable and flexible options: single full days, weekly full days, weekly half days.
• Children regain a sense of normalcy and balance by safely interacting with other children, participating in age-appropriate enrichment activities, and getting their bodies moving again with physical activity.
• After initial registration, you have the flexibility to register for future sessions at least 24 hours in advance of your desired date.
• All Y Academic Support Center locations and spaces are licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Childcare.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Students ages 5-12
• Monday - Friday: weekly sessions or single full days
• Full-day: 7am - 6pm
  Half-day: 7am - 12pm, 1 pm - 6pm
• Students must wear a mask and bring their laptop, headphones, school supplies, a water bottle, and lunch (if needed). Note: If you are participating at a school location, you have the option of buying a school lunch.
• Wi-fi will be provided at every location to support video chats and other online learning needs.
• Students will be in small groups of 10-12 in quiet spaces for study and remote learning time.
• Your child's school teacher(s) will lead all instruction, directions and assignments as they normally do. Y associates are specially trained in virtual learning support, many directly trained by your child's school system on the various online school platforms and how best to support the school's virtual learning program. Y associates help students stay on task, help with schoolwork and homework as needed, and provide fun enrichment opportunities to supplement the school day.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

The sample schedule below is intended to give a general idea of the flow of the program. Exact schedules may vary based on your child's school system.

Activity Station Choices

• Literacy Lounge: reading, quiet games, journaling, reflection time, extended homework assistance
• Construction Junction: creative play using manipulatives like Legos, blocks, construction toys, etc. This area also has a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) and science related materials and projects.
• Games Galore: puzzles, strategy games, board games, etc.
• Creative Station: supplies for children to express their creativity

iDiscover

iDiscover is a series of fun, age-appropriate enrichment choices that are centered around 21st Century Skills and College & Career Readiness. Hands-on activities are fun and unique and based on themes designed to promote discovery through STEAM.

The Y is extremely well-versed in keeping children and families safe during these times. Since March 2020, thousands of families have trusted us to put their health and safety first and have confidently participated in Y Emergency Childcare for Essential Workers, Y Preschool, Y Camp, and our Y Centers.

We strictly follow all health and safety guidelines set forth by the Maryland Department of Health, the CDC, and state and local officials, including:

• Maintaining small groups of no more than 13. Students will remain in their groups all day. Groups are not able to mix.
• Y associates and students are required to wear a mask at all times. Y associates also use gloves when necessary (in food handling and first aid).
• Daily temperature checks and health screenings for Y associates and students.
• Drop-off and pick-up will be curbside where available. Y associates will come to your vehicle, complete the health screening questions and check temperatures. Masks are required for Y associates and everyone in the car during drop-off and pick-up. If curbside is not available, this process will take place at the school doors. Follow the social distance markers when waiting your turn. (Parents must sign children in and out every day during drop-off and pick-up.)
• Frequent hand washing by Y associates and students throughout the day, between activities and use of equipment.
• Social distancing - floor markers, signage, and more will be used to designate safe distance.
• Limiting shared supplies and disinfecting all supplies after each use.
• Propping interior doors open where appropriate to reduce contact points.
• Continuous cleaning and sanitizing of high touch points using CDC approved disinfectant and practices.

These enhanced safety measures are designed to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus and have already proven successful in Y programs over the last five months. However, exposure may still occur. If a suspected case arises, it will be reported to the health department immediately and reviewed on a case by case basis. We will communicate with families who may be impacted via email and/or phone with clear information and instructions from the health department.

Supporting your children for a virtual school experience represents a major unplanned expense. To learn more about Y Academic Support Center Scholarships to see if you qualify, CLICK HERE.

Flexible Options

Y Academic Support Centers are available in weekly sessions. Your selection can change each week as your needs change. You may register for:

• Weekly full days: 7am - 6pm, Monday - Friday
• Weekly 1/2 day mornings: 7am - 12pm, Monday - Friday
• Weekly 1/2 day afternoons: 1pm - 6pm, Monday - Friday
• Single full days: 7am - 6pm, one, two, three, or four days per week

A one-time $25 non-refundable registration fee per child is required. The registration fee and your first weekly payment is due at the time of registration. After your initial registration, you have the flexibility to register for future sessions at least 24 hours in advance of your desired date.

We do accept Child Care Scholarship (CCS) vouchers. If you are using vouchers, please contact customerservice@ymaryland.org. To see if you qualify for vouchers, CLICK HERE.

Ways to Save

• Active Y members receive a 10% discount. 
• A 2% sibling discount can be applied when two or more siblings are registered for the same days/weeks/location. Use the code SIBLINGASC at checkout.
• Weekly full day registration includes a complimentary Y family membership for as long as you are fully enrolled in the program. Not valid for existing Y members.

Cancellations

All cancellations must be made in writing and include the child's full name, location, dates to be cancelled, and a description of the request. All requests must be submitted to the Customer Service office either by fax at 410-779-9426 or email to customerservice@ymaryland.org. The registration fee is non-refundable.

Cancellations must be made two business days in advance.

If cancellations arise due to COVID-19:

• If your child tests positive for COVID-19, you will receive a full refund for any future registered days/weeks that you are unable to attend.
• If the health department requires a location to close:
  - Single full day registrations: your Y account will be credited for the dates affected
  - Weekly sessions: 2-4 day closure, your Y account will be credited for the dates affected
  - Weekly sessions: 5+ day closure, a refund may be requested for the dates affected

Licensed Program

All Y Academic Support Center locations and spaces are licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Childcare.

Y Academic Support Centers are available in eight locations Baltimore County. For other locations please click here.

Students can participate at any Y Academic Support Center, regardless of where they live or where they attend school. Space is limited at each location ranging from approximately 26-52 students per day.

Register - Baltimore County

Financial Aid - Baltimore County