Better Beginnings After school

Click here for the  2009-2010 After School Brochure

Click here for the After School Policy & Procedures

Our objective is to provide the highest quality of childcare services in an environment were parents know their child will be safe and secure. It is our goal that each child will have positive experiences that will enhance his/her self-concept and promote a positive self-image. Better Beginnings is designed to offer students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade many opportunities for intellectual, physical and social development.

Better Beginnings has program activities that include homework/educational enhancement time, snack time, health & fitness, arts & crafts, rock climbing, organized games, and other creative interactive experiences. We also have Chess programs. For an additional cost Better Beginnings  provides dance, martial arts, and organized youth sports through the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation. We currently have Flag Football, Basketball and Cheerleading. For more information about our Youth Sport and Wellness programs, click HERE.               

Better Beginnings is offered on site at 7 elementary schools in the surrounding Metro Atlanta area. These sites include Centennial Place Elementary, Bethune Elementary, Herndon Elementary, Woodson Elementary, F. L. Stanton Elementary, Gideon's Elementary, and M. Agnes Jones Elementary. After school begins as soon as the participants enter our site and continues until 6:30 p.m. Our program operates on site every day that school is in session.

Enrollment forms may be picked up at the after school site or can be downloaded, click Enrollment Form. Enrollment is on a first-come, first served basis and spaces are limited. As with all YMCA programs, financial assistance is available based on need. This assistance is limited and dispersed on a first come, first served basis. To download financial assistance form, click HERE

PROGRAM COMPONENTS:    Academic Support Homework Time Health, Wellness, Fitness Arts & Humanities Science & Technology Social Competencies Nutritious Snacks Family Involvement

FEES:                         

• Individual Program Membership: $25
• No registration fee
• Weekly fee: 
     $30,000 & Under - $55.00 / $30,001 and above - $65.00                                               

HOW TO REGISTER FOR BETTER BEGINNINGS:

• Return completed registration form and fees to the site. All participants must have a current Program membership.
• FAX Completed form to the branch at (404) 724-0319 Monday - Friday 8:00a.m. -6:00p.m. You must include your Visa/Master Card/ Discover account number, expiration date, and signature giving the YMCA permission to charge your credit card. Also indicate the site you are applying for. Parents are responsible for verifying fax.
• Register in person at the site you are attending. Monday - Friday  8:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.  
  

REGISTRATION HOURS:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Better Beginnings is an after-school program created to assist in developing a child's spirit, mind and body.

Spirit:We encourage children to engage in discussions about topics that affect them and the world. An inclusive and diverse environment is the back drop for teaching conflict resolution and participating in service learning projects.

Mind:We create and maintain an atmosphere that promotes learning. Homework assistance, educational activities, creative art projects and, reading clubs expand a  child’s sense of self and help support a students success in school.

Body:  Promoting good health habits and physical activities helps to reduce factors of chronic illnesses like obesity or being overweight, juvenile diabetes, asthma, and more.

Our  Child Care Philosophy is not just to provide services, but to produce quality experiences and measurable results.  While instilling the YMCA core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. YMCA will provide measurable results to demonstrate the development of the child by the process of Pre and Post testing for all components of the program.

As always, we appreciate your support and interest in the Better Beginnings After School Enrichment Program.  If you have any questions regarding Better Beginnings, the registration process or any other YMCA programs, please  contact:

Kathy Banks, Senior Program Director at (404) 724-9622 or email at kathyb@ymcaatlanta.org 

Amelia Davis, Youth Sports and Wellness Director at (404) 724-9622 or email at ameliad@ymcaatlanta.org