Before and After School Care for K-5

When school is out, you can trust the Y to provide an engaging experience for children in their own school. The Greater Wichita YMCA’s KEY Academy allows children to deepen understanding of and relationships with their schoolmates through active play and collaboration on fun, engaging projects. The inclusion of a health morning and afternoon snack, and support for homework and learning ensure a well-rounded program.

Key Academy is owned and operated by the Greater Wichita YMCA as a school age program within the Child Care and Camp branch of the association. The KEY Academy program is licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and open to children, regardless of YMCA membership status.


Key Academy Content and Daily Activities

When participating in Greater Wichita YMCA KEY Academy programs, your children will think they are simply having fun, but you’ll have the peace of mind knowing they are not only expanding their minds and social skills but developing lifelong healthy habits. Enrolled Kindergartners through students age 12, will benefit from:

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Physical Activity
  • Youth in enrolled in our AM sessions participate in 20-30 minutes of morning exercise from yoga to calisthenics they are moving, getting the body and mind active for a great start to the day. When they head to class they are energized and ready to learn. 
  • Afternoon session include 30-45 minutes of active play daily. Student participates in planned physical games and activities that teach team work and good sportsmanship. Weather permitting children spend time outdoors daily. 
Healthy Eating
  • All KEY Academy afternoon snacks are supported by the Child and Adult Care Food Program. 
  • We make our morning and afternoon snack times social, giving children a chance to connect and build relationships.

 

Y-Chats
  • Daily opportunities for youth and adults to connect and “chat” are skillfully designed and planned to help kids develop self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 
  • Chats are schedule in advance. Parents are encouraged to track themes and monthly calendars for insights on area of focus and monthly questions so they can continue the conversation at home. 

 

Homework Support
  • KEY Academy staff set aside 30 minutes, each Monday–Thursday afternoon for quiet activities and to support those with homework and assignment completion. 
  • Study time reinforces positive learning habits and can allow more family time each evening. 

 

Afternoon Enrichment Activities
  • This year’s “BIG IDEAS!” topics have been expanded to capture and keep kids’ interest. Students will spend four-to-eight weeks exploring each topic to allow more time for learning, and expanded, activity-based exploration including perspectives kids have maybe not yet discovered. 
  • In addition to weekly themed activities youth will explore science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) lessons designed for all age groups, creative art projects, and character education that focuses on our four YMCA values; caring, respect, responsibility and honesty. 

 

Themes and Big Ideas

Key Academy activities build on themes – or BIG IDEAS! – that are chosen to ensure all kids can participate and benefit from participation and to keep daily content new, fresh, and exciting. 

2025-2026 BIG IDEAS

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SESSION 1 | Back to Basics

Dates: School start-August 29

Summary

  • It’s the beginning of the school year, and we are starting strong with activities that build relationships and get kids and staff connected.  
SESSION 2 | There's No "I" in TEAM

Dates: September 3-September 26

Summary

  • Fall is just about to start, but it's never too early to start celebrating the cooler weather.  Enjoy making fall themed sun catchers with your kids this month! 

SESSION 3 | Harvest Season

Dates: September 29-October 31

Summary

  • It's spooky season! Enjoy celebrating this month with a fun spooky craft, and a Halloween twist on a gym game favorite. 

SESSION 4 | Caring is KEY

Dates: November 3-November21

Summary

  • We are making things fly like the leaves off the trees with this month's STEAM activities.  

SESSION 5 | The Spirit of Giving

Dates: December 1-December 19

Summary

  • The (calendar) year is coming to a close.  Enjoy this month's variety of STEAM activities, and another fun twist on a gym classic. 
SESSION 6 | Let's Rewind

Dates: January 6-January 30

Summary

  • And just like that we're back! Start the year off strong and stay warm! We are finishing our martial arts session and refocusing on teamwork. 
SESSION 7 | Love is Strong

Dates: February 2-February 24

Summary

  • It's the month of love! Let's focus on teamwork, relationship building, and kindness this month and every month.  
SESSION 8 | Who's Feeling Lucky

Dates: March 2-March 27

Summary

  • Spring break is here; we did it! Enjoy a month full of luck-based activities and see if you have some St. Patrick's Day luck. 
SESSION 9 | Springing Right Along

Dates: March 30-April 24

Summary

  • The final stretch has begun! This month is all about the earth and space.  Enjoy STEAM projects based around how the earth works, and how to care for it. 

 

 

SESSION 10 | Speed into Summer

Dates: April 27-May 13

Summary

  • It's the final countdown! Enjoy a month of all the summer themed activities before summer actually begins! 
Registration Next Steps

Make sure to review the Parent Policy section for full program enrollment, payment and other important program policies and procedures such as special needs, pick up and drop off and what to bring!

Next Steps