Y-Kids

YMCA Before & After School Care

Safe. Engaging. Enriching.

The Kankakee Area YMCA’s Before & After School Care program provides a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day. We partner with local school districts to offer high-quality care that gives families peace of mind while providing children with opportunities to build friendships, explore new interests, stay active, and develop lifelong skills.

Our caring, trained staff create meaningful experiences that promote confidence, independence, responsibility, and healthy development in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Serving Local Schools

The Kankakee Area YMCA proudly provides on-site Before & After School Care at:

Kankakee School District 111

Kennedy Middle School

Bourbonnais School District 53

Liberty Elementary School
Shabbona Elementary School
LeVasseur Elementary School

Bradley School District 61

Bradley East Elementary School
Bradley West Elementary School

Herscher School District 2

Bonfield Grade School

St. George School District 258

St. George School

Programs operate with a minimum enrollment of twelve children per site.

Program Hours

Before School Care: 6:30 AM until the start of the school day

After School Care: School dismissal until 6:00 PM

Learning Beyond the Bell

Our Signature After School Enrichment Curriculum

At the YMCA, learning doesn’t end when the final school bell rings.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, every Before & After School Care site will implement Learning Beyond the Bell, the Kankakee Area YMCA’s signature after school enrichment curriculum. Designed to complement the school day, this curriculum provides intentional, hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, leadership, and personal growth.

Children participate in engaging activities centered around:

Literacy & Reading
STEM Exploration
Arts & Creativity
Physical Literacy & Healthy Living
Character Development
Leadership & Teamwork
Social-Emotional Learning
Nature & Environmental Education
Service Learning
Imaginative Play & Problem Solving

Each month introduces new themes and activities that inspire children to discover their interests, strengthen friendships, and continue learning in a fun, supportive environment.

Why Families Choose the YMCA

Our Before & After School Care program offers much more than supervision. Every day, children enjoy opportunities to:

Build positive friendships
Receive homework support and quiet reading time
Participate in hands-on enrichment activities
Stay active through indoor and outdoor play
Develop confidence, leadership, and independence
Practice the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
Learn from caring, trained staff who are committed to every child’s success

At the YMCA, we believe every child deserves a safe place to belong, explore, and grow.

School’s Out Day Care

When school is closed, but the YMCA is open, we’re here for your family. School’s Out Day participants enjoy a full day of fun, enrichment, recreation, swimming, creative activities, and active play from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Lunch and an afternoon snack are provided. Pre-registration is required.

Financial Assistance

The YMCA believes every child deserves access to quality before- and after-school care. Financial Assistance and Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) assistance may be available for qualifying families. Families with questions about payment options or financial assistance are encouraged to contact our Finance Coordinator, Rachael Landrey at rlandrey@k3ymca.org for additional information.

Ready to Get Started?

Use the resources below to learn more about our program, review payment options, access important forms, and complete your registration. We look forward to welcoming your family to the Kankakee Area YMCA Before & After School Care program!