The Stoneham YMCA Child Care and Program Center Helps Youth Learn and Achieve During Out-of-School Time

[STONEHAM] – To help motivate and inspire kids to discover their potential, the Stoneham YMCA Child Care and Program Center is offering an afterschool program to school-aged children. The Y’s afterschool program combines academics with play and offers a caring and safe environment where youth can achieve, feel a sense of belonging, build relationships and explore new interests.

One in four U.S. children is left unsupervised at the end of school day, according to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization. With the start of the new school year, the Stoneham YMCA Child Care and Program Center encourages parents and caregivers to make sure that children are involved in safe, educational experiences after school hours.

“Research shows that afterschool programs can help children perform better in school, practice healthy habits and engage in positive lifestyle behaviors. If left unsupervised at the end of the school day, students miss out on positive influences that encourage achievement and deter risk-taking activities,” said Maureen McGurl, Executive Director of the Stoneham Child Care and Program Center. “The Y’s afterschool programs promote a love for learning, social and emotional development, healthy choices, and provide children with an extra support system through positive role models and caring adults.”

In the Stoneham YMCA Child Care and Program Center afterschool program youth receive help with homework and can also explore art, music, and sports. In addition to afterschool programming the Stoneham YMCA Child Care and Program Center offers child care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. All programs are fully licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and have received NAEYC (National Association for Education of Young Children) accreditation.

The Y is a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen by supporting their social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development from birth to adulthood. Financial assistance is also available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.

For more information about the programs offered at the Stoneham YMCA Child Care and Program Center please call 781-279-2002 or visit ymcametronorth.org.

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The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Stoneham YMCA Child Care and Program Center welcomes men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.