Representatives of the Caroline Family YMCA briefed the school board on school‑age childcare (SAC) operations and partnerships, describing how the branch supports before‑ and after‑school care, summer camp, Bright Beginnings and a second‑grade learn‑to‑swim initiative.

YMCA leaders said the SAC program operates at the district’s elementary schools and maintains hours designed to support working families: morning care begins at 6 a.m. and after‑school care runs to 6:30 p.m. Sites are licensed by the Commonwealth and staff undergo required background checks and training. The YMCA said it can operate on days when schools are closed (teacher work days), on early‑release days and during some breaks.

Capacity and fees: YMCA staff said Lewis and Clark’s SAC site can serve up to 75 children; Bowling Green and Caroline sites can each handle up to 50 children during the school year (higher capacity in summer). The YMCA described an internal “Open Doors” financial‑assistance program that can provide up to 50 percent discounts for qualifying families and said it accepts Department of Social Services subsidy payments. The YMCA also offers staff and school employees a member rate.

Program elements include structured lesson plans using a SAFE model (sequence, active, focus, explicit), snack provision for after‑school participants, and wraparound offerings such as a 10‑week summer camp and Bright Beginnings distribution of supplies and backpacks. The YMCA also highlighted partnerships with CCPS — shared staffing, school buses used to transport students between sites, and principals who coordinate site access and logistics.

“Kids in after‑school programs are more likely to connect with caring adults and to build foundational skills,” Kiana Johnson, youth director for the Caroline Family YMCA, told the board. YMCA leaders invited board members and community partners to support outreach and said they are actively hiring to expand capacity.

Ending: Board members thanked the YMCA for programming and suggested the YMCA coordinate messaging with the district communications office to boost enrollment and use under‑utilized capacity.