Kids Quest Youth Programs

Our Youth Services department provides a wide array of activity options throughout the year to children in pre-K through 5th grade.

My child attended the Kids Quest program at Meadows Elementary School during the 2018-2019 school year. I can't tell you how HAPPY I was with Miss Abby & Mr. Jaron! They are truly amazing people, and I wish them the best, and hope this program can keep people like them. They were always kind and patient with my child, and always easy to work with. Thank you for having people like them!

K.W., Kids Quest parent

Kids Quest School Year Before and After School Program

We look forward to having your child join us! The 2021-2022 Kids Quest Before and After School program application is now available for registration.

Due to COVID 19 we have adjusted our programming to ensure the safety of children, staff and families. We are offering AM and PM services as one package (AM/PM). All children will be enrolled in both services even if they only attend the morning or afternoon.

Before school: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri: 7:00 am – 8:10 am & Wed: 7:00 am – 9:10 am

After school: Mon – Fri: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm – Snack provided

$65 / week per child (billed every 2 weeks)

Enrollment fee: $20 per child, for 2 or more children $30

How can I enroll my child?

Step 1: Complete online enrollment form for each child

Step 2: Visit our office (225 SW 12th Street in Downtown Topeka) to complete the state forms, parent agreement and pay whole or first half month tuition.

Step 3: Verify your start dates.

Please note: If enrolling more than one child in Kids Quest, an additional application must be completed for each child.

Attention: Your child’s spot will NOT be held until they are fully enrolled. Enrollment is granted when applications are complete and your child is fully enrolled. In order for your child to be fully enrolled, you must complete an Emergency Medical Release form, Financial and Program Guidelines Agreement, Health Assessment, and pay enrollment fees and the first half month of tuition to the YWCA Northeast Kansas. (Must be completed in person at the YWCA 225 SW 12th Street, Topeka, KS 66612)

*For Kindergarten only – Immunization record must also be provided before your child is fully enrolled.

What can my child and I expect during the school year?

Homework Assistance

Each day students in Kids Quest have designated time for academic work. Students receive guidance for homework assignments while those without school work are involved in enrichment activities.

Fit’N’Fun

Kids Quest after school leaders implement a unique and interactive physical fitness and healthy living curriculum called “Fit’N’Fun”. Developed specifically to teach children how to make healthier lifestyle choices, Fit’N’Fun is just as fun as it is educational. This 10 week, active curriculum is implemented in the fall and spring semesters.

Child & Adult Care Food Program and After School Snacks

Kids Quest also offers a snack each day to students in the after school program. We strive to provide students with a healthy option 2-3 days per week including fresh fruits and vegetables. All snacks adhere to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Each Kids Quest before and after school program is dedicated to incorporating STEM into their weekly activities. In cooperation with Kansas Enrichment Network, Kids Quest staff is working to increase the number of STEM related activities they do on a weekly basis, enhance the quality of these experiences, and encourage critical thinking in students.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)

Each Kids Quest before and after school program is licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. All programs have annual licensing compliance reviews to ensure the children are safe and properly cared for in a healthy environment. Information on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment licensing for School Age Programs.

School Days Out Program 2019

School Days Out occurred in 2019 on October 10 and 11. SDO is available for Pre-K students at the YWCA Early Learning Center and Shaner Early Learning Center, and available to all Topeka Public Schools students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.

2019 Kids Quest SDO Pre-K

Thursday, October 10 & Friday, October 11. 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Pick up and drop off at YWCA Early Learning Center, 225 SW 12th Street, Topeka. Fee: $25.00/day (Breakfast, lunch, and snack are included) + $20 registration fee (waived for students enrolled at Shaner Before/After School and YWCA ELC).

2019 Kids Quest SDO Kindergarten through 5th Grade

Thursday, October 10 & Friday, October 11, 2019. 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Pick up and drop off at Whitson Elementary School, 1725 SW Arnold Ave, Topeka. Fee: $25.00/day (includes breakfast, lunch, and snack) + $20 registration fee (applies to non-Kids Quest parents only).

Step 1: Fill out the 2019 Kids Quest School Days Out Application.

Step 2: If your child is already enrolled in Kids Quest, skip to step 3. If your child is not enrolled with Kids Quest, then please fill out the Kids Quest General Application.

Step 3: Visit our main office (225 SW 12th Street, Topeka) to drop off this form, fill out emergency form & pay registration fees.

Questions? Contact Harlie Creamer, Kids Quest Coordinator, (785) 233-1750 X 262. YWCA Northeast Kansas, 225 SW 12th Street, Topeka.

Kids Quest Summer Camp

Registration is open for Kids Quest Summer Adventure Camp 2021! Begin enrollment here.

YWCA Kids Quest Summer Camp provides a safe, secure, positive and nurturing environment for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade. Children grow, discover, build confidence, enrich education and form friendships in our program.

What can my child expect in 2021?

This year, we are planning “Fun in the Sun!” Indoor and outdoor activities will include: Sports, Arts & Crafts, STEM/STEAM Projects, Literacy, Social-Emotional Learning, Water Activities, Weekly Field Trips.

Where: Whitson Elementary School, 1725 SW Arnold Ave, Topeka
When: June 7 – July 30, 2020, Monday – Friday 7 AM to 5:30 PM

Weekly Tuition: $100 per student per week with a $20 enrollment fee ($30 for 2 or more children), plus a $55 activity fee. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are provided daily.

All activity fees and the first week of tuition are due along with completed application packet prior to enrollment. Space is limited to the first 60 enrollments. Enrollment is final once confirmed by the KQ Coordinator. Part-time enrollment is accepted IF space allows. A limited number of scholarships are available for those who qualify. Contact KQ Coordinator for scholarship information.

Ready to start your application?

Step 1: Fill out the 2021 Kids Quest Summer Camp Application online.

Step 2: Visit our main office (225 SW 12th Street, Topeka) to drop off this form, fill out emergency form & pay registration fees. Your enrollment will not be considered complete until all activity fees and the first week of tuition are paid, your completed application packet and applicable forms have been received, and the Kids Quest Coordinator has confirmed your enrollment.