The YMCA, ISD 166 School District, and Community Education have collaborated to provide an afterschool program to youth at ISD 166 schools and Great Expectations School. We offer a safe and engaging out-of-school time program that creates a positive environment to foster youth development.
WHO
Students in Kindergarten-5th grade from Great Expectations School (GES) and Cook County Independent School District (ISD 166) are welcome to participate!
WHEN
Update 2/26/24: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from school dismissal to 5:30 pm. The Afterschool Program runs only on days when school is in session. Families can choose which day or days of the week to enroll.
WHERE
The YMCA and ISD 166 campus. Students at GES will be walked to the Sawtooth Elementary School on select days and on other days will need to find transport independently.
Program Information
Update 2/26/2024: Families can choose to register their student(s) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays. The program is available on those weekdays when school is in session through June 6th. Students in kindergarten-6th grade from Sawtooth Elementary and Great Expectations Schools are welcome to enroll.
Registration
Registration is open. Registration is required prior to attending the program. Spots are limited and early registration is recommended.
Enrollment is continuous each week. Families must notify the school and the Y if the child is not attending a day of the program. Payments must be made each week to continue enrollment regardless of attendance. To withdraw from enrollment, families must notify the Y Membership Desk or the Youth Development Coordinator. A two-week notice is required for canceling enrollment.
Fees and Payment Information
The cost is $13 per day. Free and reduced lunch families can qualify for Financial Aid. It is our goal to provide everyone with an equal opportunity to participate in services and activities. We offer financial assistance available to those families who qualify. To apply for financial assistance, complete the Financial Assistance application and return it to the YMCA with the required documentation.
It is required that fees are paid weekly on Fridays through payment drafts. Families can set up payments with a credit card or bank account when registering online for the program. Payments are non-refundable.
FAQs
Yes! Click the Register for Programs button in the upper right-hand corner of this page. Click log-in to access your account or choose Find My Account if you are already a member. Search for after-school programs. Once registered, you can view a summary of your enrollment.
Sawtooth Elementary students will go to a meeting spot within the school at dismissal time. GES students need to have their own transportation to meet the YMCA program staff at the Sawtooth Elementary School playground.
Pick-up will be at the ISD 166 Cafeteria. Pick-up areas may change depending on the activity. Communication about the pick-up areas will be sent out each week to registered families.
It is required that a parent signs their child out, so children are not allowed to ride their bikes or walk home alone. We want to have verbal and visual contact with each parent at the finish of each day so we can pass along any important information.
We do not allow drop-in days. It is required that your student is registered ahead of time. If a child is not on the roster, they will not be able to participate. They will remain in the school office and parents will be notified.
Program fees are non-refundable. To reserve a spot in the program, children must be registered. Families will be responsible for payment whether or not the child attends. A two-week notice is required for the cancelation of enrollment in the program.
Here’s a list of things that your child will need for the program
- Bring a water bottle, layers of clothes to accommodate for changes of weather or accidents, weather-appropriate footwear for outside play, and any medicine or required medical devices such as Epi-pens and inhalers.
- If a pool day is announced, bring a swimsuit and towel.
- NOT allowed: valuables, bikes/skateboards, or any electronic devices.
Payments will be scheduled weekly on Fridays for the following week. By registering for the program, you agree to have your credit card or bank account automatically charged for every week your child is enrolled.
Yes! Print and complete a Cook County YMCA Financial Assistance application. There is a link closer to the top of the page.