Before and after school care Cincinnati YMCA — kids in after school programBefore and after school care Cincinnati YMCA — kids in after school program

Before and After School Care Cincinnati
YMCA 20+ Locations, Programs for Ages 5–12

The hours between school bells matter. YMCA School Age Care offers before and after school care in Cincinnati for kids ages 5–12: with homework help, creative projects, active play, and caring adults who know their name by the end of day one.

20+ locations across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Licensed in Ohio and Kentucky.

ENROLL NOW Find locations

HOMEWORK HELP & ENRICHEMENT

SAFE, LICENSED PROGRAMS

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

CONVINIENT LOCATIONS

WHAT KIDS DO IN OUR BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Every day is designed to keep kids engaged, active, and connected, with a balance of learning, creativity, and play.

  • Homework support and academic enrichment
  • STEM exploration, art, and music
  • Physical activity and outdoor play
  • Character-building activities and leadership opportunities
  • Real friendships with peers and Y staff who care

      This is the part of the day where kids grow.

Why Families Choose YMCA School Age Care in Cincinnati

We’ve been doing this a long time.

The Y has provided licensed school age childcare in the Cincinnati region for decades with trained staff, regulated ratios, and programs built around what kids actually need.

We’re in your neighborhood.

With 20+ school sites across Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and surrounding communities, there’s likely a Y program at or near your child’s school already.

We go beyond the basics.

After school enrichment at the Y means STEM, art, music, physical activity, and character development every day, not just on special occasions.

We make it work for your family.

Before school care, after school care, or both. Financial assistance available for families who qualify, no family is turned away for inability to pay.

Cost shouldn’t be a barrier

Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. No family is turned away due to inability to pay.

Learn about financial assistance

What to look for in a before and after school program

Not all programs are the same. Here’s what matters—and what your child will find here:

  • Licensed and state-regulated programs in Ohio and Kentucky
  • Enrichment beyond homework time
  • Consistent, caring staff
  • Flexible scheduling for working families
  • Financial assistance available so cost isn’t a barrier

How to Enroll in Before and After School Care in Cincinnati

Step 1: Log in

Log in to your Y account with your email address on file at the YMCA.

Find Online Account

New to the Y? Create a free non-member account and add your children to the account.

Add New Account

Step 2: Select Program(s)

Choose a school site or YMCA branch to narrow your search and select the correct 2025–26 school year program. Register for Before School and/or After School based on your need and availability at your site.

School Age Child Care

Step 3: Enrollment Packet

Forms are state-specific. One enrollment packet per child is required to complete registration.

Ohio Day Camp packet is the same for School Age Child Care. Only one packet is needed per child per year.

Ohio Enrollment

Kentucky Enrollment

Before and After School Care Locations

Northern Kentucky

R.C. Durr YMCA
North Pointe Elementary · Thornwilde Elementary · Yealey Elementary

Campbell County YMCA
Johnson Elementary · Moyer Elementary · Woodfill Elementary

 

West Cincinnati

Dater Montessori
Gamble Montessori

Clippard Family YMCA
Colerain Elementary
Monfort Heights Elementary
Pleasant Run Elementary
Struble Elementary
Taylor Elementary
Three Rivers

Gamble-Nippert YMCA
Gamble-Nippert YMCA Branch
Serving Midway, Westwood, Covedale, Roberts, Lourdes
Cheviot School

Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA
Parker Woods Montessori
John Paul II

Play Time Early Learning Center

East Cincinnati

Blue Ash YMCA
Serving Reading Elementary, St. Vincent Ferrer, Pleasant Ridge Montessori, Rising Stars Vine in Mount Auburn

Clermont County YMCA
Serving Batavia, Williamsburg, CNE Elementary

M.E Lyons YMCA

Ayer Elementary
Maddux Elementary
Sherwood Elementary
Wilson Elementary

We want your family to feel prepared and confident from day one.

The YMCA School Age Care Parent Handbook covers everything you need to know about our program:

  • Daily routines
  • Expectations
  • Communication
  • And how to reach us.
CHECK THE PARENTS HANDBOOK

Frequently asked questions about Before and After School Care in Cincinnati

Rates vary by location. Contact the branch at your school site for current pricing. If cost is a concern, [learn about financial assistance for child care programs] — the Y offers scholarships for qualifying families. No family is turned away for inability to pay.

Hours vary by school site. Your branch’s Family Life Director can give you the exact schedule for your location. Before school care generally starts early enough for working parents; after school care runs until early evening.

Use the location list above to find the YMCA branch serving your child’s school. With 20+ sites across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, there’s likely one close to you. Contact that branch directly and ask for the Family Life Director.

Online, it takes about 10 minutes. Log in to your Y account, choose your school site or branch, and complete the state-specific enrollment packet.

Yes. All YMCA of Greater Cincinnati School Age Care programs are licensed by the state in which they operate and meet all state requirements for staffing, safety, and programming.

Ready to get started?

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YMCA of Greater Cincinnati