School-Age Program FAQs
Updated May 2, 2025
Registration and Fees
When will registration be open?
Families enrolled during the prior school year will be invited to register before the program opens to the public. We encourage you to take advantage of this early registration period to help secure a spot for your child. Existing families should look for an email from an @stpeteymca.org address with instructions on how to register.
Registration will be open to the public for 5 weeks over the summer, from Monday, June 16 through Sunday, July 20, 2025.
After Sunday, July 20, 2025, online registration will close and a wait list will be opened. Once school begins, the wait list will be processed and handled on a first-come, first-served basis to fill any remaining space in the program. Additional forms will be required and therefore there may be a delay on when your child can begin attending, so we highly encourage parents to enroll by the July 20 deadline.
How do I register my child for school-age programs?
This year, all registration will take place online. There is a three-step process:
1 |
Register online at stpeteymca.org. |
2 |
Sign your forms and agreements digitally. |
3 |
One of the forms must be signed in-person and notarized. |
If my child was in the program last school year, will they be guaranteed a spot this school year?
Students must enroll each new school year in order to guarantee a spot in the program. However, families enrolled during the prior school year will be invited to register before the program opens to the public. We encourage you to take advantage of this early registration period to help secure a spot for your child.
Are spaces at the Y limited? Do you have a waiting list?
In order to best serve our students, we have a set number of spaces available for each program location. If the location that you are registering for is full, we will add you to the waiting list and you will be notified if a space becomes available.
How much is the registration fee?
The registration fee is $30 per child.
How often are payments due?
Auto-drafted payments will occur every Friday, 10 days in advance of the scheduled week your child will be attending the program as prepayment for service. These fees are non-refundable and will not be prorated for missed days due to illness, vacation or any other reason.
Is auto-draft the only payment option?
Yes, auto-drafted payments will occur on a set schedule as outlined above. This standard method helps to ensure timely payments and allows us to reduce administrative costs and focus our resources on what matters most — supporting your family and delivering quality programs.
We understand that using auto-drafted payments may be an adjustment for some. We’re here to support you and welcome any questions.
My child will be absent - will my weekly fee be prorated?
No, weeks of childcare are not prorated. Auto-drafted payments occur weekly and your credit or debit card will be drafted at set intervals as outlined in the registration packet.
How can I update my payment information?
Please notify us of card number or expiration date changes. You will need to complete an updated Draft Authorization Form.
Do you offer care for preschool students (ages 3 - 4) at the school-age program sites?
We can only open this program to preschool students IF there are at least 10 or more students registered. At that time, a current immunization record and physical must be provided with your registration. Please keep in mind that there will be no childcare provided on School Out Days and Camps. Our YMCA also offers childcare and the state-funded VPK program at our three YMCA Preschool Academies.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes. The YMCA offers financial assistance to those who qualify. You can download the financial assistance application form here.
Do YMCA Members receive special pricing?
No, the weekly rate is the same for both YMCA Members and non-members.
Is there a sibling discount available?
No, there is no sibling discount offered.
Do you accept Child Care Government Discounts (ELC)?
Yes. At the time of registration, please make sure you indicate that you receive ELC assistance and contact your caseworker to get the proper documentation for your location. All ELC recipients must adhere to policies and procedures set by ELC and the YMCA, including attendance policies and any additional fees. All parents are required to sign the ELC parent agreement which outlines the policies and responsibilities of both agencies in detail.
Do you work with the state for children who are in foster care?
Yes. Please inquire with the site director when registering your child.
Do you accept a check from a third party, like the State of Florida for children who are in foster care?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept third-party payments for this program.
What if I need to cancel my registration?
If at any time your child needs to be withdrawn from the program, you must present a written notice two weeks in advance.
Attendance and Arrival
What time does my child need to be dropped off/picked up?
Hours of Operation:
- Elementary: 6:30AM until start of school; release until 6PM
- Bay Point Middle: 6:30AM until start of school; release until 6PM
- Madeira Beach Middle: 6:30AM until start of school; release until 6PM
- Mangrove Bay Middle: 6:30AM until start of school; release until 6PM
- Meadowlawn Middle: 7:00AM until start of school; release until 6PM
- Pinellas Park Middle: 7:00AM until start of school; release until 6PM
Drop-off: Students may be dropped off as early as the morning times listed above, and must be dropped off at least 30 minutes prior to the bell rings for the start of school. This is for the safety of all students.
Pick-up: Students must be picked before 6:00PM.
What if I’m late picking up my child?
We understand that life does not always go as planned. If you realize that you will be late to pick up your child from care, we ask that you notify the YMCA. To avoid having to pay a late fee, we strongly urge you to add multiple individuals authorized to pick up your child from care. Please remind any authorized individual that a valid photo ID is required to pick up your child. Excessive tardiness may result in the dismissal from the program. If you are late picking up your child, you will be charged a late pick up fee of $1.00 per minute, per child.
Who can pick up my child?
To ensure the safety of your child, the YMCA will follow the Florida statutes regulating childcare centers. Each child must be checked in and out by an authorized individual age 16 & up with a valid photo ID. Children will not be released to any person other than the individuals on the pick up authorization form.
Authorized individuals are indicated in writing by the guardian on the pick up authorization form at the time of registration. Changes to the pick up list must be made utilizing your secure online account. Please contact your Site Director for instructions or more information. Phone calls, faxes or emails are not accepted.
For your child’s safety, should any person who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol arrive to pick up your child, our staff will be required to contact another person on your pick up authorization list. If no one is available, we will be required to call law enforcement.
Meals, Medication and More
What should I do if my child has medicine that needs to be given daily?
In order for the YMCA to dispense medication for your child:
- a medication form must be filled out (ask your director for this form)
- medication must be in the original bottle with the daily dosage indicated (staff will only administer medication according to dosage)
- medication must be prescribed for your child specifically
- the parent or guardian must bring in the medication, give it to the staff member in charge and train the staff on how to properly administer the medication
Does the YMCA Before-and-Afterschool Program provide meals?
Meal policies vary by location. Please contact your site director for information specific to your program location.
Does the YMCA offer care on out-of-school/non-student days or holidays?
Non-student days: The YMCA provides care on professional educator days and non-student days at selected sites. These non-student days are included in your weekly tuition.
Holidays: Special holiday camps are offered for an additional fee, for example, during Spring Break, Thanksgiving Break, and Winter Break.
The YMCA Before-and-After Program will be closed on Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good Friday and Memorial Day.
Both non-student days and holidays require parents to sign up ahead of time, and are offered on a first come, first served basis until capacity is met. On these days, care is not provided for our preschool students (ages 3 - 4). Programs are consolidated during non-student days and holidays; open program sites are at the discretion of the principal and school board. On these days, parents are responsible for providing their child with breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks (no candy or soda allowed). Please contact your site director for more details.
Toilet Training
All students in our school-age programs MUST be toilet trained.
Child Care & Camp
