Star 4 Early Care & Education Program

The School Age Program Serves Kindergarten Through 5th Grade

Excitement! Choices! New Friends! New Experiences! This and more can be found in our Afterschool programs. We serve children at all four of the Bellefonte School District Elementary Schools from kindergarten through fifth grade. We provide a safe and stimulating place for children to experience supervised, hands-on activities. Daily activities are designed to motivate learning and creativity in a child-centered environment. Children are given the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities that include art, games, sports, blocks, creative dramatics, music, dance, cooking, and free play. Homework assistance is provided by the staff and each child receives a nutritious snack. All day care is provided at either Bellefonte Elementary or the YMCA on all emergency closings, school in service days, and school holidays.

The general curriculum includes:

School Age Program Fees:

Effective 8/27/24:

FAMILY POLICY

Families with more than one child enrolled will receive a 10% fee reduction on the oldest child enrolled.

FEES AND PAYMENTS

All contracted days in the agreement must be paid whether or not the child attends. This is necessary in order to maintain a high quality program at the lowest possible cost. Fees and Payment policy are as follows.

• • Payments must be made by the Friday prior to care. Payments are to be made at the YMCA Member Service Desk or at one of the off site programs. MasterCard and Visa is accepted at the YMCA only.
  • Delinquent payments of more than 2 weeks may result in the termination of care.
  • A $15.00 late fee will be charged on the Monday of care if payment is not made. 
  • A $1.00 per minute fee will be charged if a child is picked up after 6:00pm.

ENROLLMENT

The YMCA of Centre County, in accordance with applicable Federal and State Civil Rights Laws and regulatory requirements, provide equal opportunity for program services to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, creed, or disability. Enrollment policies are as follows.

• • Preference is given to children requiring full time care.
  • All necessary paperwork and parent orientation must be completed before starting care.
  • A two-week probation period is given to all parents. During this time the agreement may be broken if there are any problems that can’t be resolved.

YMCA MEMBERSHIP

Youth Memberships are now included in your child care fees for all children 3 years old and above. If you wish to purchase a family membership, please see the YMCA Membership Service Desk.

Bellefonte, Benner, Marion Walker, and Pleasant Gap school age programs have been awarded STAR 4.

Locations

Bellefonte Elementary School

Grades K-5
Monday–Friday

2:30–6:00 PM

Benner Elementary School

Grades K–5
Monday–Friday

2:30–6:00 PM

Marion-Walker Elementary School

Grades K-5
Monday–Friday

2:30–6:00 PM

Pleasant Gap Elementary School

Grades K–5
Monday–Friday

2:30–6:00 PM

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Early Care and Education Program is to encourage the maximum development of each child in spirit, mind, and body by providing positive experiences that foster self-esteem and enhance social, emotional, cognitive, physical and moral development.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The YMCA cooperates with the Early Learning Resource Center #8 to help make child care affordable for all families. Please contact Patty Gonder, Child Care Director, at 814-355-5551 for more information.

To Enroll: Contact Patty Gonder at [email protected]

Department of Human Services Child Care Regulations can be found here:

55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270. Child Care Centers (pacodeandbulletin.gov)

The YMCA of Centre County, Bellefonte Branch in accordance with applicable Federal and State civil rights laws and regulatory requirements, provides equal opportunity for program services to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, creed, disability or LEP The YMCA of Centre County, Bellefonte Branch is a sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. All infant through preschool children will receive breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Children enrolled in the afterschool programs will receive an afternoon snack. All meals served to children under the Child and Adult Care Food Program are served at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. There is no discrimination in admission policy, meal service, or the use of the facility.