March 7, 2008

The Springfield YMCA’s After School Program recently received a grant of $2,000 from the New Jersey School Age Child Care Coalition, which will allow the Y to purchase Kidzmath and Science Explorer activity kits for use in their After School Program. 

These materials offered through the Developmental Studies Center, a non-profit organization based in New York and dedicated to children’s academic, ethical and social development, will be used everyday to enhance after school activities and to greatly increase the children’s enjoyment of mathematics and science. 

The Kidzmath Explorer activity kits use cooperative math games, books and activities to help children gain self confidence, develop social skills, practice math skills and development teamwork and decision making abilities. 

The Science Explorer Program consists of a collection of experiments which include studying bubbles and rainbows, investigating optical illusions, testing the effects of static electricity, and will help develop skills such as measuring, classifying, predicting, experimenting and forming hypotheses. 

The Springfield YMCA has 47 children enrolled in its after school program, all attend the Springfield Public Schools.  The Y provides busing each day to the program which runs from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, with extended care to 6:30 pm. 

The Springfield Y also runs a Pre-K Wrap Around Program for those children who attend morning half day Pre-K at the Walton School.  Busing is also provided for this program.  Financial assistance is available for all child care and camp programs at the Springfield YMCA to qualified candidates.

For more information about child care and camp programs at the Springfield Y contact Robert Sneddon, Child Care and Camp Director, 973-467-0838, rsneddon@springfieldnjymca.org. The Springfield YMCA is located at 100 S. Springfield Avenue.