Out-of-School Time
Afterschool Program for Children in Grades K-8
The West Suburban YMCA Out of School Time (OST) program is committed to making a difference in the lives of every child and family who choose the Y for afterschool care. OST provides learning experiences that are engaging and developmentally appropriate, focused on social and emotional growth, and emphasize self-confidence, self-esteem, and leadership, while also encouraging independence.
Out of School Time (OST) is structured to support and complement the Newton Public Schools schedule, including early release days.
To enroll in the program for the 2021-2022 school year, please download and fill out a 2021-2022 School Year Enrollment Form and return it to Kaitlin McCarthy at kaitlinm@wsymca.org.
Enrollment Options & Rates
Two-day minimum enrollment required.
| Days | Hours | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 2:30-6:00 PM | $40/day |
| Wednesday (NPS half days) | 1:15-6:00 PM | $50/day |
| Full Time (M-F) | $200/week |
Enrollment is ongoing and children may register any time of year, provided there is space in the program.
Transportation
Note: Bus routes are not finalized for the 2021-2022 school year, and we are happy to work with families from schools not listed on the application to see if we can work something out.
- Transportation to the Y from Burr, Bowen, Cabot, Franklin, Horace-Mann, and Lincoln-Eliot schools is available via bus for a fee of $5/day.
- Transportation to the Y from Underwood School is available via chaperoned walking route at no extra charge.
Financial Assistance
Tuition assistance opportunities are available and can be applied for on a confidential basis. We also accept Massachusetts State vouchers.
Program Overview
- Academic Support & Structured Routine
- Relationship Building & Social-Emotional Learning
- Service Learning
- Physical Activity
- Indoor & Outdoor Environments
- Free Lunch & Afternoon Snack
| Sample Daily Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 1:15pm | Arrival / Wash Hands (Wednesday only) |
| 1:20pm - 2:00pm | Lunch (Wednesday only) |
| 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Free Play (Wednesday only) |
| 2:30pm - 3:00pm | Arrival / Wash Hands (M, T, Th, F) & Homework Help |
| 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Snack |
| 3:30pm - 4:00pm | Physical Activity / Outdoor Time |
| 4:00pm - 4:45pm | Clubs |
| 4:45pm - 5:15pm | Enrichment Activity |
| 5:15pm - 5:45pm | Board Games / Coloring |
| 5:45pm - 6:00pm | Clean-up and Dismissal |
OST COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS / K-8 Virtual Learning Academy
September 2020 - March 2021
OST Community Connections was the West Suburban YMCA's response to our community's need to support working families by providing a safe place for children to complete their virtual learning during the covid-19 pandemic. Beginning in September 2020, the program supported over 80 children per day with our virtual learning academy that supported distance learning and complemented the Newton Public Schools' academic schedule. In March 2021, Newton Public Schools announced they would be returning to full-time classroom learning starting April 5, 2021. Our Out of School Time program will shift in response to this change and return to offering a more traditional afterschool model.
For more information about the Out of School Time Community Connections program, please contact Kaitlin McCarthy, Out of School Time Director.
Out of School Time Quick Links
2020-2021 OST Family Handbook
Financial Aid Request Form
To apply for Financial Assistance for Membership, Programs, Child Care and Camps, download this form and return to Kristen Hydinger in the Y's Finance Department. Please email Kristen at kristenh@wsymca.org for more information.
Documents Available in Spanish, Russian, and Chinese
Do you need a West Suburban YMCA form or policy document in a language other than English? Download our most common forms and policies in Spanish, Russian, or Chinese.