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Strengthening Families

Our youth services department provides a wide array of child care and activity options to preschool and school aged children. Some of our programs include Kids Quest, Kindergarten Academic Preparedness Program, FEATS, and our in-house Early Learning Center. For more information about our programs please call 785.233.1750.

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” -Margaret Mead

YWCA Northeast Kansas is on a mission to provide excellent and affordable childcare in a fun, enriching environment. Our goal is to bolster positive social, emotional and academic development — all while promoting school-readiness.

Preschoolers at YWCA Northeast Kansas meet rigorous Early Learning Standards indicating school readiness, eliminating the education gap regardless of race, economics or culture. Our classrooms use a combination of “Love and Logic,” “Teaching Strategies” and Baby Sign Language in our curriculum.

YWCA’s mission of “Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women” starts with our youngest participants – children in our classrooms benefit from a supportive curriculum and an emphasis on diversity and inclusion in all of our care procedures. To learn more about openings in our Early Learning Center, please email or call Dawn Galbreath, Youth Services Director, 785-233-1750.

The ELC is open from Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

ELC Parent Handbook

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 Director, 785-233-1750.

Kids Quest Hours

Before school: Mon-Thur: 7:00 am – 8:15 am & Fri: 7:00 am – 9:15 am

After school: Mon – Fri: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm, snack and milk 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 weekly.

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.

**Stay tuned for 2023-2024 enrollment information.

How can I enroll my child for 2022-2023?

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.

AttentionYour 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 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. Beginning in 2022, Kids Quest implemented the Flying Classroom curriculum, which is a hands-on STEM+ curriculum that incorporates research, experimentation, and discovery.
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.

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.

Campers participate in a variety of educational, recreational, and STEM+ activities in grade level groups. Breakfast, lunch, and snack are provided for all students.

What You Need To Know:

Where: Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet School (1301 SE Monroe St)

When: June 5 – August 4, 2023, Monday – Friday 7 AM to 5:30 PM
*No camp June 19th in observance of Juneteenth and July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

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.

How to Register

Application packets are available at the YWCA front desk. Please pick up a packet to fill out and return with payment of the enrollment fee and activity fee. You can also download the application by clicking here.

Your child is not considered enrolled until the application packet is complete and both the enrollment and activity fees are paid. YWCA Kids Quest Camp is a pre-pay program. Weekly tuition is due by drop-off each Monday.

For questions or more information, contact Dawn Galbreath, Youth Services Program Director. They can be reached by phone at 785-233-1750.

Download the Application Packet

 

The YWCA “Power Up” KAPP program is for Topeka Public Schools incoming kindergarteners who have little to no preschool experience. KAPP prepares students for how school works and teaches them academic and social skills to help them start kindergarten with confidence.

Unfortunately, the 2023 KAPP program has been cancelled. YWCA remains committed to kindergarten preparedness, and we will work to ensure that KAPP is available in future years. 

 

FEATS is an after school tutoring program providing specialized instruction, healthy meals, and community engagement to students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. We currently have two FEATS programs: one at Ross Elementary and one at State Street Elementary. Many of the students engaged in FEATS are considered to be at-risk, food insecure, academically challenged, or just need a safe place to go after school.

More about FEATS

YWCA has hosted the FEATS program since 2018. The funding for our Ross Elementary program comes from 21st Century, and the State Street Elementary program is funded through United Way of Kaw Valley.

In partnership with funders, YWCA set goals for the FEATS program to ensure its success:

  • Reduce the number of chronic absences,
  • Reduce behavioral referrals among participating students,
  • Improve students’ attitudes towards math and reading,
  • Increase math and reading state assessment scores
  • Increase the number of students performing at or above grade level in reading and math.

Each week, students receive academic assistance and participate in team-building and STEM+ activities. In 2022, we began using the Flying Classroom curriculum, which helps students soar to new heights!

“Flying Classroom brings structure, learning, self-control and adventures to our students, and it is presented in a fun and playful way that the children look forward to every week.” -YWCA Youth Services Director Dawn Galbreath.

Click here to learn more about Flying Classroom and what FEATS students have to say about this exciting new curriculum.