Before and After School Care for K-5

When school is out, you can trust the Y to provide an engaging experience for children in their own school. The Greater Wichita YMCA’s KEY Academy allows children to deepen understanding of and relationships with their schoolmates through active play and collaboration on fun, engaging projects. The inclusion of a health morning and afternoon snack, and support for homework and learning ensure a well-rounded program.

Key Academy is owned and operated by the Greater Wichita YMCA as a school age program within the Child Care and Camp branch of the association. The KEY Academy program is licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and open to children, regardless of YMCA membership status.


Key Academy Content and Daily Activities

When participating in Greater Wichita YMCA KEY Academy programs, your children will think they are simply having fun, but you’ll have the peace of mind knowing they are not only expanding their minds and social skills but developing lifelong healthy habits. Enrolled Kindergartners through students age 12, will benefit from:

Physical Activity
  • Youth in enrolled in our AM sessions participate in 20-30 minutes of morning exercise from yoga to calisthenics they are moving, getting the body and mind active for a great start to the day. When they head to class they are energized and ready to learn. 
  • Afternoon session include 30-45 minutes of active play daily. Student participates in planned physical games and activities that teach team work and good sportsmanship. Weather permitting children spend time outdoors daily. 
Healthy Eating
  • All KEY Academy afternoon snacks are supported by the Child and Adult Care Food Program. 
  • We make our morning and afternoon snack times social, giving children a chance to connect and build relationships.

 

Y-Chats
  • Daily opportunities for youth and adults to connect and “chat” are skillfully designed and planned to help kids develop self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 
  • Chats are schedule in advance. Parents are encouraged to track themes and monthly calendars for insights on area of focus and monthly questions so they can continue the conversation at home. 

 

Homework Support
  • KEY Academy staff set aside 30 minutes, each Monday–Thursday afternoon for quiet activities and to support those with homework and assignment completion. 
  • Study time reinforces positive learning habits and can allow more family time each evening. 

 

Afternoon Enrichment Activities
  • This year’s “BIG IDEAS!” topics have been expanded to capture and keep kids’ interest. Students will spend four-to-eight weeks exploring each topic to allow more time for learning, and expanded, activity-based exploration including perspectives kids have maybe not yet discovered. 
  • In addition to weekly themed activities youth will explore science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) lessons designed for all age groups, creative art projects, and character education that focuses on our four YMCA values; caring, respect, responsibility and honesty. 

 

Themes and Big Ideas

Key Academy activities build on themes – or BIG IDEAS! – that are chosen to ensure all kids can participate and benefit from participation and to keep daily content new, fresh, and exciting. 

2024-2025 BIG IDEAS

SESSION 1 | My New Best Friends

Dates: School start - August 23

Kit: Min2Win +Teambuilding

Summary

  • It’s the beginning of the school year, and we are starting strong with activities that build relationships and get kids and staff connected.

SESSION 2 | Groovin' Right Along

Dates: August 25-September 20

Kit: “Let’s Move in School”

Summary

  • Getting kids active is one of KEY Academy's greatest goals. This session includes activities that have kids moving, grooving, jumping, running, and building motor skills that align with the National PE Standards.

SESSION 3 | Let's Get the Ball Rolling

Dates: September 23-November 22

Kit: Rotate all Sports Kits

Summary

  • This is the first of two sports sessions we focus on in a school year. We offer the following sports—Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, and Soccer. During this 9-week session, each school will select 2 of the 4 sports to try. Each sport will focus on developing basic skills while incorporating the maximum amount of participation, cooperation, and fun!

SESSION 4 | Enter the Dojo

Dates: December 2-December 20

Kit: Martial Arts (SKILL and YMCA360)

Summary

  • Our newest session this year is Martial Arts! Students have the opportunity to practice some basic martial arts skills that teach teamwork and coordination as well as respect, all while having a blast! We combine curriculum with YMCA 360 for an ultimate martial arts experience.

SESSION 5 | Starting Strong

Dates: January 6- January 31

Kit: Nutrition Cards + Fitness

Summary

  • Starting the year strong with healthy habits and good nutrition can be hard if you don't know where to begin! During this session, we teach students the reasons why being healthy is so important, but also expose them to a variety of fun, engaging ways to be active, healthy, and nutritious.

SESSION 6 | Give It Your Best Shot

Dates: February 3- April 4

Kit: Rotate all Sports kits

Summary

  • Students are exposed to the last 2 of our 4 sports. We will continue to focus on sport skill development and cooperative learning. Students will learn that sports is a team-effort, and while winning can be fun, working together is much more satisfying.

SESSION 7 | Defining Kindness

Dates: April 7 - May 2

Kit: Character is Cool

Summary

  • What does it mean to have "good character?" How do you define the YMCA core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility? What does it mean to be kind? In this session, students are exposed to difficult questions that allow them to grow as individuals—all while engaging in physical movement activities and motor skills.

SESSION 8 | Summer Came at Light SPEED

Dates: May 5 - End of Year

Kit: Speed Stacking

Summary

  • It's the final stretch to summer! This session offers a unique assortment of physical activities that enhance moderate to vigorous physical building agility, coordination, and SPEED. How fast can you ring in the summer?