HAVERHILL - The Haverhill YMCA is embarking on a new venture: An after-school child-care program for children in kindergarten through grade five. Starting Aug. 29, the YMCA at 81 Winter St. and the Burnham Elementary School, 45 Fountain St., will serve as child-care centers weekdays between 3 and 6 p.m.
Tracy Fuller, coordinator for the new program, said the YMCA recently became aware of the need in Haverhill for this kind of program and decided to open these centers.
She said that YMCAs in Beverly, Marblehead, Gloucester, Salem and Ipswich have been operating after-school child-care centers for over 10 years and that the programs are popular with parents.
"It's a safe place for children to be after school," she said.
Transportation by bus will be provided for children from their school in Haverhill to the YMCA or to the Burnham. Parents will be asked to pick up their children by 6 p.m. Younger children will likely be attending the Burnham, while older children will be at the YMCA, she said.
The centers will be staffed by certified YMCA counselors who will keep children occupied and entertained in numerous ways.
Children can do their homework and get help. They can take part in a gymnastics program and will be offered healthy snacks such as fruit and granola bars. Children who attend the YMCA center may swim in the pool.
"Both sites will provide activities such as dodgeball and board games," Fuller said. "We also have a 'Kidzlit' literacy program that we'll offer at both sites."
She said the literacy program is intended to help children increase their reading comprehension through reading and art activities.
Parents can register by visiting the YMCA in Haverhill, or online at: www.northshoreymca.org. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
BOX: YMCA after-school child-care program:
Cost: $17.50 per child, per day. Discount is available for siblings.
Transportation from school to the centers: Free
Registration fee: $40 per family
Hours: 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays
Locations: YMCA, 81 Winter St.; Burnham School, 45 Fountain St.
Contact: Tracy Fuller at 978-374-0506