Member Testimonials
I am very impressed with the professionalism of the after care staff at Brookdale Elementary.
This is my first to use the YMCA-Montclair services for before care for my son. I have only done drop off once, because my husband does the drop off, but the staff is so welcoming and friendly. Even if it is early, my son doesn't complain about going there so early, and even wanted me to enroll him in after care services because he heard his friends have so much fun in their program. The staff is so accommodating that it makes me feel at ease that my son is in their care while my husband and I are off to work. Thank you to all staff for their patience, dedication and care that they provide in our place. I highly recommend this to all parents just to make their daily lives a little less stressful, and the comfort of knowing that their child is in a safe space, and is excited to be there before the school day starts or even after a long day of school! THANK YOU! WE APPRECIATE YOU!!
Reliable, fun and safe.
Very good, affordable child care. Teachers really care about the kids and are relaxed.
Having a more structured homework program would help although I realize that it may be hard to achieve. This would be especially helpful for the younger students so parents do not have to do this at home in the late evening.
My kids loved it!
Care and attention to our son is great. No issues.
They love and care about the kids. My daughter really enjoys her aftercare experience
Our son, now in 6th grade, has been attending since he was in 1st grade. We like knowing that he is engaged in activities with other kids instead of sitting at home with a sitter on a tablet or watching TV. This year, the staff appointed him and the other 6th graders as "counselors." Given this responsibility to help them with the younger kids made a huge difference for my son's confidence. He loves it.
The YMCA aftercare program has been amazing! They have opportunities to do Zumba, Arts & Craft, Read or be read to, do their homework, play, and make new friends in a safe environment with staff who cares about our kids.
Great teachers, great socialization!
My daughter in edgemont and loves aftercare. Always fun activities, the regular counselors
Are great.
The aftercare staff at CHB are fabulous!
Thinks we don't like - the way the YMCA handles the sign-up's for both aftercare AND camps. It's unnecessarily stressful. The system can't handle the amount of sign-up's in one day and so it should be changed, Perhaps one town at a time OR one type of camp at a time.
Also, for aftercare unless you're at absolutely capacity making sure that allowing people to sign up and then trying to add more staff to take kids off a waitlist would be good. Parents don't have a lot of options for care if you work a 9-5 and so being worried we might not get a spot unless we are on at the exact moment it opens is too much year after year.
My kid is happy and well cared for
Good experience
Love the opportunity for my child to have free play with her friends after school in the hours when I am still working. I never worry about her when she's in the care of the YMCA.
I love how interactive the staff is with my daughter and all the children. How they are assertive when needed and help them with their homework. Making it easier for a single parent to have less to deal with when I pick my daughter up from after care. I also like the flexibility that students can still participate in after school sports and clubs and still be returned to aftercare for the remainder of the day. I am overall pleased with the YMCA of Montclair aftercare program. I also especially want to shout out Ms. Kim & her aftercare crew for all their hard work at Fairview School in Bloomfield aftercare program.
Sincerely,
Chasity (First name removed's mom)
All of the caregivers for DLC aftercare are wonderful!
The staff are so caring and really appreciate all they do. Also love all the creative projects they do.
We love this service and will continue using it whenever available. I love the variety of activities my child can participate in, the counselors are all lovely, and we always have a good experience. I would like continued variation in the activities, the "cooking" activities my daughter did were a great experience and I'd love to see those more.
Monday Healthy you, the children are cooking. The staff is great no issues.
You guys are great, the kids have a blast
The staff and learning at the ELC are amazing. They care deeply for my children and have prepared them well for learning in the future.
My daughter has a wonderful time at aftercare and is sad when she misses it!
My daughter has a great time in before and aftercare. The teachers always greet her with a smile and they really get to know her.
I absolutely love How caring and wonderful everyone is in before and aftercare. They truly care for the children and they will be making sure everyone gets snack and has a good time making sure they get enough outside time even on cooler days bundling them up and if it’s too cold or getting too dark to be outside there always offer fun things in the gym or boardgames. My daughter has an absolute blast. We are big fans of supervisor Markell McCormick and her crew at Watchung school! Everyone is just wonderful! This is such a peace of mind for working parents! Thank you!!
This really is a vital program for our family and should be expanded across all schools. The misalignment between work hours and school hours is a stark reality for many working parents. Without access to this program, the burden of finding consistent before and aftercare would be immense. While this program works for our family, I know it’s not always an affordable option for many parents so a subsidy or sliding scale fee could open this up to more families of various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Great experience with activities and lovely staff
My son, First name removed enjoys the YMCA after care program at Demarest. He appreciates being able to play outside and in the gym. He also enjoys the STEM activities and special treats throughout the school year! Thank you to all the counselors! Special Shout out to Mr. Mike!
Great teachers, convenience, and my son has so much fun