School Age Care

Before and after school care designed to support learning, build confidence, and help children thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

Supporting Kids Beyond the School Day

School Age Child Care at the Oswego YMCA provides a safe, structured, and engaging environment for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Our program complements the school day by encouraging learning, creativity, physical activity, and character development—while giving families peace of mind before and after school.

School Age Child Care Overview

The Oswego YMCA provides an integrated School Age Childcare and Learning Enrichment program that provides before- and after-school care for children and families in participating school districts. Through the New York State LEAPS initiative, the YMCA has enhanced its existing after-school SACC program with additional academic support, structured learning enrichment, social-emotional development, physical activity, family engagement, and collaboration with school and community partners.

LEAPS is not a separate childcare program, enrollment option or fee structure. Children enrolled in the YMCA after-school SACC program benefit from the LEAPS-supported enhancements as part of their regular program experience. The same registration process, rates, payment policies, operating hours, safety expectations, and family handbook requirements apply. School Age Child Care (SACC) is designed for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Programs for this age group complement and enhance formal education, and provide learning opportunities that build relationships, develop character, and inspire discovery to help foster your child’s academic success. Our before and after school programs are located at various school sites in Oswego County.

Our SACC curriculum is based on the four core values of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Activities are created to be inclusive and consider all dimensions of diversity, including ethnicity, income level, and special needs and abilities. Activities include; Homework Time, HEPA (Healthy Eating Physical Activity), Arts & Crafts, STEM, Character Development, and so much more!

YMCA staff member reading a book to two young boys while seated in a colorful activity room.

SACC Locations & Curriculum

2026/27 Locations

  • Oswego City School District Elementary Schools:
  • Charles E. Riley, Frederick Leighton, Kingsford Park
  • Mexico School District:
  • Mexico Elementary School

A Typical Day

Students are given dedicated quiet time where they may complete any homework assignments, spend time reading, or doing other calm activities.

Kids get an opportunity to explore their creativity and express themselves through arts and crafts activities. Staff prepare a variety of projects, incorporating recycled materials and seasonal themes to spark imagination.

Structured, hands-on STEM activities provide children with an opportunity to problem solve, develop critical thinking skills, and gain self-confidence.

The YMCA follows Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards, providing a daily snack plan that is nutritious and consists of at least two of the following components: milk, fruit, bread or cereal, fruits and vegetables, and meat or meat alternative. We encourage children to develop healthy habits through physical activity with time for movement each day.

School Age Child Care programs at the Y focus on holistically fostering the physical, social and emotional development of kids of all ages, incorporating our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Kids will learn more about their world, develop healthy relationships with adults and other kids, build self-reliance and more all in a safe, nurturing environment.

Registration Information

Parents/guardians need to complete the registration forms and return to the Oswego YMCA along with registration fee and payment authorization form. If needed, forms are also available in our welcome center. If your child attends Minetto or Fitzhugh Elementary schools, you will be required to complete an OCSD alternate transportation form and return it to your child’s school before starting the program.