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 Kids Quest before and after school program is available at several TPS 501 elementary schools. Students are provided an afternoon snack, homework assistance, and educational and creative activities. If you have any questions, please email or call Dawn Galbreath, Youth Services Assistant Director, 785-233-1750.

Kids Quest Hours

Before school: Mon-Thur: 7:00 am – 8:10 am & Fri: 7:00 am – 9:10 am

After school: Mon – Fri: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm, snack provided

Kids Quest Before and After School Program has locations at Jardine Elementary, McCarter Elementary, McEachron Elementary, Meadows Elementary, and Whitson Elementary.

Kids Quest Fees

Billed every two weeks.

Both AM and PM: $75 / week per child

AM only: $40 / week per child

PM only: $40 / week per child

Enrollment fee: $20 per child; $30 per family (2 or more children)

Enrollment Information

The 2022-2023 Kids Quest Before and After School program application must be completed IN PERSON at our office in downtown Topeka, 225 SW 12th St.

July 11: Enrollment opens for families who were enrolled in the ELC or Kids Quest before/after care for the 2021-2022 school year.
*Families must not have any past due fees in order to enroll.

July 12: Enrollment opens for Topeka Public Schools USD 501 staff and faculty

July 13: Enrollment opens for the general public

How can I enroll my child?

Step 1: Visit our office (225 SW 12th Street in Downtown Topeka) to complete the state forms, parent agreement and pay the enrollment fee + first two weeks of tuition.

Step 2: Verify your start dates.

Please note: If enrolling more than one child in Kids Quest, an individual 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 two weeks 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.

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

Stay tuned for the 2022-2023 School Days Out schedule.

Registration and Fees

For current Kids Quest families, the fee is $20 per child. All other families: $30 per child. A snack is included, but students are expected to arrive having eaten breakfast, and bring their own sack lunch.

To request a spot for School Days Out, email Dawn Galbreath, Youth Services Assistant Director, or call (785) 233-1750.

Kids Quest Summer Camp

YWCA Kids Quest Summer Camp provides a safe, secure, positive and nurturing environment for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Children grow, discover, build confidence, enrich education and form friendships in our program.

Where: Whitson Elementary School, 1725 SW Arnold Ave, Topeka

When: June 6 – July 29, 2022, Monday – Friday 7 AM to 5:30 PM

Weekly Tuition: $125 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.

Registration Opens March 16th

Starting March 16th (March 14th for current Kids Quest families), you can pick up an application packet in-person at the YWCA Northeast Kansas office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are located at 225 SW 12th Street in Downtown Topeka. Park and enter on the north side of the building.

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 45 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.

Questions? Contact Dawn Galbreath, Youth Services Assistant Director, at (785) 233-1750. YWCA Northeast Kansas, 225 SW 12th Street, Topeka.