AFTERSCHOOL CARE
Fun After The School Bell!
Fun After The School Bell!
Afterschool Care That Works for Your Family
Parents need more than just a place for their kids to go after school. They need afterschool care that keeps kids safe, active, engaged and supported through the afternoon.
At the Greater Austin YMCA, our afterschool care programs are available for students enrolled at participating schools. Each afternoon, children enjoy physical activity, homework support, hands-on enrichment and time with friends in a safe, structured environment right where they already are.
That means fewer schedule gaps, less stress at pickup and more time for families to focus on what matters most at home.
With nearly 50 participating school locations across Greater Austin, there may be a YMCA afterschool care program at your child’s school, including schools in Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD, Hays CISD, Manor ISD and area charter schools. Registration for the 2026-27 school year opens April 20.
Fun After The School Bell!
Afterschool Care That Works for Your Family
Parents need more than just a place for their kids to go after school. They need afterschool care that keeps kids safe, active, engaged and supported through the afternoon.
At the Greater Austin YMCA, our afterschool care programs are available for students enrolled at participating schools. Each afternoon, children enjoy physical activity, homework support, hands-on enrichment and time with friends in a safe, structured environment right where they already are.
That means fewer schedule gaps, less stress at pickup and more time for families to focus on what matters most at home.
With nearly 50 participating school locations across Greater Austin, there may be a YMCA afterschool care program at your child’s school, including schools in Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD, Hays CISD, Manor ISD and area charter schools. Registration for the 2026-27 school year opens April 20.
Registration for the 2026–2027 school year opens April 20. Spots fill quickly.
Afterschool Care at Participating Schools across Austin
We proudly serve families throughout Travis, Hays, Williamson and Manor counties:
- Austin Pflugervile
- Round Rock
- Manor
- Buda
- Kyle
- San Marcos
- Niederwald
Programs take place in familiar school spaces, including classrooms, cafeterials and playgrounds, with fresh activities, continued learning and fun built into each afternoon.
Not sure if your school participates? Use our school finder below.
Need help? Call us at 512-322-9622 or email EACY@AustinYMCA.org as needed. We are here to support you!
Note: programs are only available for students enrolled at participating schools.
See Participating Schools
A Structured Afternoon Designed for Growth
Every afternoon follows a clear rhythm designed to keep kids active, engaged & supported.
Our program is a continuation of your child’s development, led by trained leaders in a safe, supportive space.
- Move: Daily physical activity and outdoor play.
- Focus: Homework time with guidance and support.
- Create: Hands-on projects and enrichment including STEM, art, music and more.
- Connect: Time with friends to build confidence and teamwork.
- Refuel: Healthy snacks to help recharge after the school day.
Each part of the day helps kids stay active, build confidence and keep learning in a way that feels fun and natural.
Why Families Choose YMCA Afterschool Care
- Held right at participating schools with easy parent/guardian pickup.
- Keeps kids active and engaged after the school day.
- Safe, structured afternoons led by trained youth leaders.
- Makes pickup and daily routines simpler.
- Financial assistance available for qualifying families.
What Your Child’s Afternoon Looks Like
🔍 Click each tab to explore what kids experience each afternoon and what families value most about YMCA afterschool care.
🎓 Growing With Your Child
We support kids at every stage, from first friendships to future leaders.
Here’s how we support their growth every step of the way:
🌟 Pre-K – 2nd Grade
Building strong foundations:
🤝 Basic cooperation & teamwork
🎭 Self-expression through play
🔍 Exploring early learning concepts
💡 Developing independent thinking
🚀 3rd – 5th Grade
Encouraging confidence and growth:
⭐ Taking on leadership roles
🧠 Critical thinking & problem-solving
🎯 Diving deeper into hands-on projects
🧘♀️ Strengthening self-regulation skills
🛡️💪 Y Staff are Safe, Trained & Ready to Care! 💛
At the Greater Austin Y, we make your child’s safety and happiness our top priority.
We aim to provide a consistent team of caring staff to your child and family, building strong connections and trust.
All staff:
🧑🎓 Are 18 or older and high school graduates
🔍 Pass background checks
⛑️ Are CPR and First Aid certified
🥜 Get training on allergies and child safety
🛡️ Learn how to prevent and respond to abuse or neglect
🚨 Practice emergency drills for fire, severe weather, and intruders
📚 Continue training and attend staff development seminars throughout their time with us
Our team is also trained in:
👀 Active supervision
🧩 Age-appropriate activities
🏃 Fun movement and games
😊 Interpersonal growth & cooperative learning
🌟 Positive guidance & discipline
🎶 Songs, safety and more!
⭐ Plus, our Site Directors have at least one year of licensed childcare experience.
📋 All programs are licensed and regularly inspected by Texas Health and Human Services (HHS).
🤝 You can rest easy knowing your child is in safe, capable and caring hands!
🎨🔬 Hands-On Learning = Big Fun + Big Growth!
At the Greater Austin Y, learning doesn’t stop after the school bell rings—it just gets more exciting!
Hands-on learning drives our after school programs, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and creativity through more than 20 fun and meaningful weekly activities.
Here’s what they’ll get their hands on:
🖍️ Arts & Crafts – Imagination meets glue sticks, paint and fun!
🧪 STEM Projects – Science and tech come to life through hands-on experiments.
💪 Physical Exercise – Moving bodies = active minds!
🎲 Group Games & Activities – Social skills, teamwork and tons of laughs.
🌍 World & Community – Celebrate cultures, give back & explore new perspectives.
All activities are crafted by our curriculum specialists and align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
🏃♀️💥 Physical Activity = Happy, Healthy Kids!
At the Greater Austin Y, we believe movement matters especially after a full day of sitting in class!
Our afterschool program gives kids the chance to stay active and build important life skills in a fun, social setting.
Here’s what your child can look forward to:
🎯 Active Play with Friends – From tag to team games, kids get moving while making memories.
💬 Life Lessons in Action – We teach inclusion, teamwork and conflict resolution while encouraging kids to do their best.
🌞 Outdoor Adventures – Relay races, yoga sessions, sports, free play and plenty of fresh air!
💪 Physical activity isn’t just fun—it’s how kids grow stronger, healthier and more confident. We’re here to make it awesome!
🗣️🎨 Voice & Choice = Empowered Kids!
At the Greater Austin Y, we believe kids thrive when they have the power to choose how they learn and play.
That’s why we offer daily opportunities for students to explore our exciting learning centers, based on what they love!
🎲 Explore Your Way
Kids can dive into:
- Games & puzzles
- Building blocks & construction
- A cozy book library
- Science & music centers
- Creative expression zones
- Homework help areas
📚✨ Welcome to the Book Nook!
At the Greater Austin Y, we’re all about turning young readers into lifelong learners.
Research shows that afterschool programs can make a big difference in literacy, and we’re proud to be part of that story!
Here’s how we support growing minds through reading:
📖 Print-Rich Adventures
Our curriculum connects hands-on projects with books and comprehension tools to boost understanding and spark curiosity.
🌍 A Library That Speaks to Kids
• A dynamic library filled with books kids actually care about.
• Stories that reflect their real lives and diverse experiences.
• Cozy spaces with comfortable seating and colorful rugs.
• Every page turns into a chance to grow literacy skills.
• Reading, exploring, and learning—all in a warm, welcoming environment.
🤝💬 Building Relationships That Last
At the Greater Austin Y, we know that strong friendships and positive social skills are just as important as academics.
That’s why our programs are designed to help kids connect, communicate and care all while having fun with their peers!
Through daily activities and a supportive environment, children:
💛 Make Real Friendships – Build bonds with peers through play, teamwork and shared experiences.
🧠 Grow Interpersonal Skills – Our curriculum and mindfulness activities help kids learn to:
- Listen actively
- Communicate clearly
- Cooperate in groups
- Show kindness and empathy
We’re here to help kids grow into confident, compassionate individuals—one meaningful connection at a time. 💫
📚✏️ Homework Help, the Y Way!
We know how valuable quiet time is after a busy school day especially when there’s homework to tackle.
Our after school care program provides children with 30–45 minutes daily to focused homework and reading in a calm, supportive space.
Here’s what families can count on:
🧘♂️ Quiet Space – A distraction-free zone where kids can concentrate and catch up on assignments.
📖 Helpful Resources – From pencils and paper to dictionaries and reference books, we’ve got what they need to succeed.
🤝 Supportive Staff – Our group leaders circulate to offer one-on-one help and make sure everyone stays on track.
It’s all about giving kids the tools and time they need to thrive—so you can enjoy a little less homework stress at home!
🧠💛 Growing Hearts & Minds
At the Greater Austin Y, we know that helping kids grow emotionally is just as important as helping them grow academically.
Through group meetings and activities, we help kids build key life skills like:
🧘♀️ Self-Management – Learning to manage emotions and set goals.
🤝 Social Awareness – Practicing empathy and appreciating others’ perspectives.
🧠 Responsible Decision-Making – Making thoughtful, respectful choices.
💬 Relationship Skills – Communicating clearly and building healthy connections.
Our caring staff helps kids feel seen, heard and supported, so they can grow into kind, confident and capable individuals.
🍎🥕 Healthy Snacks = Happy Kids!
At the Greater Austin Y, we know that growing minds and active bodies need the right fuel.
That’s why every afternoon, we serve up a healthy, balanced snack to keep kids energized and ready for fun!
Here’s what’s on the menu:
✅ A variety of fresh fruits and veggies.
✅ Whole grains to keep them going.
✅ Low sugar & low saturated fat options.
✅ All USDA-approved for quality and nutrition.
It’s all part of our commitment to helping kids build healthy habits that last a lifetime—one delicious bite at a time! 🍌🍊
🪑🌟Flexible Seating = Comfortable Kids, Better Focus
After a long school day sitting at a desk, kids need a change of pace & posture!
At the Greater Austin Y, we offer flexible seating options that let children choose how they learn and relax best.
Whether they’re diving into a book, tackling homework or unwinding, kids can settle into:
🛋️ Cozy cushions.
🪑 Fun and comfy floor chairs.
🧘 Floor spots with wiggle room.
🤩 A variety of floor rugs for comfy, cozy lounging.
Because every child focuses differently and comfort makes all the difference!
What Makes YMCA Afterschool Care Different
Afterschool hours matter. They shape confidence, friendships and daily habits.
At the Greater Austin YMCA, our programs are intentionally designed to give kids more than a place to go. In a familiar school setting, children stay active, continue learning and spend time with trusted youth leaders and friends.
We don’t just keep kids busy. We help them grow.
Every afternoon follows a clear, consistent plan designed to keep kids active, engaged and safe.
Structure and Supervision
- Defined daily schedule and transitions.
- Active supervision at all times.
- Licensed and inspected by Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
- All programs are within state licensing ratios. Attendance tracked daily.
Trained Staff Background-checked staff.
- All staff are 18 years of age or older and high school graduates.
- Safety and supervision training. CPR, First Aid and AED-certified staff.
- Receive training on allergies and child safety.
- Practice emergency drills for fire, severe weather and intruders.
- Ongoing training throughout the year.
- Site directors have at least 1 year of licensed childcare experience.
- Trained in fun, movement, games and positive guidance.
Safe pickup and Clear Communication
- Authorized pickup only.
- Check-in and check-out procedures.
- Staff oversees each check-in and check-out.
Familiar School Setting
Programs take place at participating schools using classrooms, cafeterias and playgrounds.
A Nonprofit Partner for Schools and Families
Serving Greater Austin families for nearly 75 years, the YMCA is focused on helping children and families thrive.
Testimonials
Parents/guardians are surveyed regularly via Listen360.
“What a well organized, healthy, creative and well run program- that is affordable and appreciated!”
– ShadowGlen Parent (Manor ISD)
“It’s a great option for working parents. My son has a variety of different activities he can do, as well as work on school work. The staff is very welcoming and attentive.”
– Blanco Vista Elementary Parent (Hays CISD)
“I like the variety of activities for the children (play outside, building, art), patient and kind staff and convenient location at the elementary school.”
– Canyon Creek Elementary Parent (Round Rock ISD)
“I like that the kids do projects every day, and they get a variety of activities to do, but with a routine.”
– Perez Elementary Parent (Austin ISD)
“The staff are always friendly and willing to help. My son has a great time every afternoon after school.”
– Zilker Elementary Parent (Austin ISD)
“Para mi es el mejor programa ya que nuestros hijos están seguros.”
– Austin Achieve Elementary Parent (Charter)
“I appreciate all the help I get from this afterschool program: helping the kids with homework and engaging educational activities. My son loves going to the YMCA after school, and to see and know that he loves going back makes me happy. Thank you for providing parents like myself that need financial support in order to me to make ends meet.”
– Blake Manor Elementary Parent (Manor ISD)
“I am so grateful to have reliable and fun afterschool care at our elementary school. It has been a wonderful experience and we look forward to adding our second child next year.”
– Joslin Elementary Parent (Austin ISD)
“The afterschool program is good for children that have parents that work and need someone they can trust to watch their kiddos. It’s a place where children can have fun after school. I see that the atmosphere is filled with laughter as kids have fun doing different activities on their daily agenda. They can also interact with other kids and not be bored. They have the opportunity to play, run and focus on being kids.”
– Kyle Elementary Parent (Hays CISD)
“Structured, safe and healthy environment for my kids after school! We’re so grateful for the YMCA staff/team for taking care of our babies. 🙂 “
– Tobias International Elementary Parent (Hays CISD)
“Great counselors. Kids are always tired and sweaty at pick up – not sitting around watching screens. Lots of activities.”
– Gullett Elementary Parent (Austin ISD)
“The staff are all very supportive of the children and create a safe environment for learning, creativity and play.”
– Caraway Elementary Parent (Round Rock ISD)
Afterschool Care Cost, Financial Assistance & Calendars
Refer A Friend
Got a friend who needs childcare?
🗣️ Spread the word about our awesome Afterschool Program! When you refer a friend, you’ll get a $25 credit added to your account—just make sure they mention your name on their afterschool application.
✨ Even better? There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer, so keep them coming!
📝 Heads up: This credit is for families currently enrolled in our Afterschool Program. It will be added to your EZChildTrack account and can be used for childcare only (not for Y memberships).
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More Programs at the Greater Austin YMCA
If you want to learn more about youth development programs, enrichment opportunities, and activities for your family, the Greater Austin YMCA offers many options designed to support children beyond the school day. Whether your child enjoys sports, creative learning, swimming, or seasonal activities, there is always something new to explore.
Here are a few helpful places to continue your search:
- Youth Sports to build confidence, teamwork, and healthy habits.
- Skills Clinic for focused, skill-based training that helps youth strengthen fundamentals, gain confidence, and grow in a supportive environment.
- Y Camps for exciting experiences during school breaks and summer.
- Childcare Programs for early learning and youth support.
The Y is here to support your family with programs that inspire learning, connection, and healthy living. We invite you to continue exploring and find the programs that fit your child’s interests and needs.
