2023-24 Annual Childcare Report

Collaborating to Support Our Community

Dear Families, Partners & Supporters,

We are proud to share with you the Channel Islands YMCA 2023-2024 Childcare Impact Report. Our staff, volunteers, donors, and school district partners’ continuous effort and commitment to the Y’s success in these unique times have made it possible for us to do what we do best; provide quality programs and services to our community. Our Y has not been here for 137 years by chance. It is due to the remarkable work of our staff and volunteers who keep a pulse on community needs. And we know that affordable, quality, and safe childcare is a top need for many families.

This year was an exciting one for the organization. We launched new afterschool enrichment centers in partnership with school districts through Expanded Learning Opportunities Program funding, we launched the Lompoc Family YMCA Teen Program serving over 700 youth, brought 8 locations operated by the San Luis Obispo YMCA into the organization, had a record-breaking enrollment year in summer day and enrichment camps, and launched our new SCALED Learning™ program for school-age programs.

Launched this spring, SCALED Learning™ helps youth grow through engaging STEM, hands-on arts, literacy, career-connected learning, diversity and global education, and social development activities. We are pleased to bring this new resource to all of our school-age locations and enhance the quality of service.

It would be an understatement to say the past few years have thrown challenges our way. While the world sometimes seems uncertain, the YMCA will remain a high-performing non-profit organization that champions and meets the needs of today’s youth. The Y believes all kids have great potential and deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.

Thank you for your support,

Jennifer Heinen-Stiffler Chief Operating Officer

Our Programs

Preschool/Pre-K

Each day at our YMCA centers, preschoolers are exploring, building confidence, enhancing their creativity, and growing their critical thinking skills. At the YMCA, we believe in purposeful play as the tool for early education. The classroom and outdoor spaces are structured to provide the tools and educational support that children need to succeed in Kindergarten and life. Our program supports cognitive, social-emotional, physical, language, and literacy development for all children in care. From the screening of staff to the playground to nap time, we maintain a safe environment where teachers can give attention to each child. We are licensed by the State of California to ensure the quality of care.

School-Age Care

As a parent, you know that the hours before and after school are critical times for a child’s development. Before and after school care at the Y provides you peace of mind, knowing your children are safe and in an environment where the learning taking place at home and school, will continue. The Y partners with families to offer homework support, healthy snacks, physical activity such as games and sports, as well as arts, science, and plenty of opportunities to try new things and make great friends. We do all of this while also making safety our number one priority.

YMCA Summer and Enrichment Camps

At Y Camp, the possibilities are endless! Y Summer Camps provide children and teens with supervised activities that cultivate values, develop skills, nurture relationships, and actively explore children’s imagination. Day Camps at the YMCA are packed with activities and new friendships. YMCA campers will experience art, STEM activities, sports and outdoor recreation, field trips, and much more. Weekly themes bring energy to camp and ensure that each week is a different adventure.

YMCA Enrichment Camps are an exciting way for campers to dive into an interest for a full week. Enrichment Camps provide many opportunities for campers to learn and grow in skills around areas of interest.

Youth Programs

Through the Y’s activities for kids, we develop the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Classes teach the fundamentals of program areas in a supportive environment. Programs at the Y encourage personal expression and the freedom to create and provides new experiences for kids. Our programs run in several-week sessions throughout the year. Each Y location offers unique programs to fit that community’s needs.

School’s Out Care

YMCA programs operate year-round and when school is out to ensure children have academic enrichment and recreational opportunities when they need them most. School’s Out Care is available on most school holidays including winter and spring break. During the summer, Before & Afterschool Programs transition to Day Camps and are accredited by the American Camping Association.

Teen Enrichment Programs

Our teen enrichment programs provide a fun, alternative space for teens during the high-risk after-school hours. At the Lompoc branch and St. George Youth Center, the Y programs help to provide a space where all youth and teens feel safe, supported, and empowered to be the best version of themselves. These youth centers support the strength and achievement of youth and their families through a variety of educational, recreational, cultural, and leadership opportunities.

Our Curriculum

SCALED Learning™, the Y’s holistic before and after-school curriculum, presents kids with new challenges as they reach each stage of their development. SCALED Learning™ helps kids grow in the classroom and out in the world through engaging in STEM, hands-on arts, literacy, career-connected learning, diversity and global education, social development, and fun! Kids who participate in the Y’s before and after-school programs expand the school day through active play with classmates and a curriculum that augments what they’re learning in school. Discovering the world is fun and safe with the experts on helping kids grow and learn. The Core Components of SCALED Learning™ are:

• STEM

• Career-Connected Learning

• Arts

• Literacy

• Education & Classroom Confidence

• Diversity & Global Learning

Our Report Card

95% 95%

overall satisfaction would recommend Y Programs appreciate the responsiveness of Y staff members

What principals and partners are saying...

“We have a few families whose parents work very long hours and whose children would have nowhere to go without this very special program. These children have formed strong relationships with the staff of the YMCA that I believe help them to thrive.”

“Our school site has a thriving YMCA program and that is thanks to our program director. She is visible, she collaborates, and she is involved in our community. We are grateful for her dedication and support.”

overall satisfaction of students are safe at Y programs of families appreciate the Y Staff

What families are saying...

“I believe the Y is a good resource for not only just for our children but also for us adults who work all day and are able to organize our work schedule to be able to have time to pick up our child before the program ends. It helps a lot so we as parents can put in those extra hours to meet our needs to provide for our family! Highly appreciated!”

“I was a stay at home mother for years when my husband passed away from cancer. I was forced to join the workforce and the Y facilitated our family with a scholarship for my son to attend the after-school care. This was such an immense help in the transition our family was going through. I will be forever grateful to the Y for providing our family help and my son a fun and safe place to attend when we needed most.”

“Families who are utilizing after-care through our program have been so appreciative of the safe, inviting, and enriching program.”

“We have had wonderful communication with our team at the Y with on-site visits, bi-weekly check-ins, and emails to keep us informed on progress.”

“YMCA has helped my child learn social skills and have been supportive of accommodations and very caring about my son’s special needs. As a single mom, they are my only source of support and very thankful for YMCA.”

“As working parents, the Y care program is invaluable. We feel safe knowing that our child is engaging with other children in a friendly environment with amazing staff.”

Our Report Card

What our youth are saying...

591 Santa Rosa Lane

Montecito, CA 93108

805.969.3288

805.484.0423

805.736.3483

805.543.8235