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Y Learning Academy
FAQs

Find important information below about the new Y Learning Academy program and registration process.

Health and Safety

How is the Y addressing health and safety at Y Learning Academy?

It has been our privilege to offer essential child care to first responders, healthcare workers and other frontline employees during the COVID-19 health crisis, and summer day camp throughout the summer. We're taking what we've learned to be able to provide a safe experience at Y Learning Academy.  

All YMCA operational protocols will be in alignment with local, state and national health guidelines. This will include:

  • Daily temperature checks for youth and YMCA staff
  • Daily wellness questionnaire for youth and YMCA staff
  • Face coverings for students and staff
  • Mandatory hygiene and cleaning breaks
  • Curbside dropoff and pickup to limit the number of people in our facilities

How will social distancing be maintained?

Students will be placed in small groups. Large group gatherings will be avoided when possible. As much as possible, children will remain in their assigned group throughout the day as well as day-to-day.

With curbside pickup, are parents allowed to enter facilities?

Out of an abundance of caution, we request that parents do not enter Y Learning Academy facilities. If meetings or other reasons for a visit are necessary, a YMCA staff member will provide details on time and location.

How will lunch and snack be handled to ensure safety?

Students will bring their lunch. We are asking that students bring only disposable lunch containers and pack food that does not require a microwave for heating. Please do not send reusable plates, silverware or lunch containers. Snacks will only be served by YMCA staff members.

What does my child need to bring?

Out of an abundance of caution we are not providing group share materials. These types of materials include markers, pencils, scissors, glue, etc. We are asking children not to share their materials with peers.

Students should bring the following items.

  • On the first day of camp:
    • Your child's Emergency Information Packet
  • Every day:
    • School assignments
    • Electronic device needed for school work (such as laptop or tablet)
    • A water bottle
    • A lunch (Please pack only disposable lunch containers and pack food that does not require a microwave for heating.)

What cleaning protocols are used to help prevent the spread of germs?

Our teams are using hourly and/or rotational cleaning schedules to make sure when children enter a new activity the area has been sanitized. Additionally, children and staff will have mandatory hygiene breaks throughout the day to ensure hands are washed frequently.

Program Details

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is not provided. Please bring a sack lunch. Pack only disposable lunch containers and food that does not require a microwave for heating. Please do not send reusable plates, silverware or lunch containers. Snacks will be provided, and will only be served by YMCA staff members.

How should my child dress?

Your child should wear clothes that are comfortable for active play during breaks. That includes:

  • Clothing appropriate for the weather
  • Closed-toe shoes every day

Are Y Learning Academy locations licensed?

Yes. All of our school age and early learning programs are in licensing compliance with the laws and regulations of either the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

What is the staff to student ratio?

State laws require we keep a 1 to 15 staff to student ratio. 

What training do staff receive to help keep kids safe?

Safety is very important to us. We have an extensive risk management program and have recently achieved an accreditation from our risk management group, Praesidium. All of our staff are trained in:

  • CPR
  • First Aid
  • Recognition of illnesses
  • Child abuse prevention
  • Signs and symptoms of abuse
  • Risk management

Registration Process

How do I register my child for Y Learning Academy?

Online registration is fast, easy and ensures that your child has a spot in the desired camp.

Online registration is available for the following payment methods:

  • Automatic draft from a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express)
  • Automatic draft from a bank account
  • Paying total balance at the time of registration

All families must also complete an emergency packet for your child and bring it to camp on your first day. Please keep a copy for yourself. If your child attends multiple Y camps throughout the summer, you will need to bring a copy of the emergency packet to each camp. 

What is the registration deadline?

We encourage you to register early to secure a spot. You may register by the day or by the week. The last chance to register for any week of camp is at midnight on the Thursday before the program begins. (For example, for programs beginning Tuesday, September 8, the registration deadline is midnight on Thursday, September 3.)

Do I have to register for the whole semester?

No. Registration is by the day or by the week, and you may register for any number of days or weeks you choose.

Can I cancel registration?

You may cancel your registration by providing notice in writing at least one week before the day the program is scheduled to begin. 

We have been holding that spot for your child and have potentially turned other children away. You will be responsible for the fee for that day or week if you fail to give a one-week written notice.

Or you may fax or mail cancellation notices to:

YMCA of Greater Kansas City 
Attn. Y Learning Academy Registration
3100 Broadway, Suite 1020 
Kansas City, MO 64111 
Fax: 816.931.1847

How do I complete and submit an Emergency Information Packet? Is it required?

All families must complete an emergency packet for your child and bring it to Y Learning Academy on your first day. 

Please keep a copy for yourself. If your child attends multiple Y programs, such as Y Club on site at their school and Y Learning Academy at a different location, you will need to bring a copy of the emergency packet to each location. 

What types of payment are accepted?

You may pay by:

  • Automatic draft from a credit card
  • Automatic draft from a bank account 
  • Paying total balance at the time of registration

Does the YMCA have scholarships available for Y Learning Academy?

We are currently working to secure funding to make scholarships available. Please complete this form if you are interested in applying for a scholarship, and we will contact you if funds become available.

What fees are due at registration?

When you register, a $75 registration fee is due if you have not already paid it with Y Club enrollment for 2020-2021. In addition, the program fees for the first week of enrollment also will be due.

Does the Y take state child care subsidy payments from DCF in Kansas or DSS in Missouri?

At this time, we are unable to take child care subsidy payments. We are currently working to determine if this will be possible. Please talk to DCF or DSS for more information.

Related Resources

Questions?

For additional information, please complete our contact form.