At the Y, we believe all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. In our school programs, hundreds of youth are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and education achievement. It’s the 21st century, and has there ever been a harder time to be a kid? So many choices, so many unhealthy options. Luckily, the YMCA is keeping an eye on hundreds of Ocean County school-age kids during the riskiest hours of the day. For over 29 years, the Y has been offering Y-Kids Before and After School Care. Y-Kids is a state licensed child care program designed to help families build self sufficiency by providing safe, affordable, high quality childcare both before and after school. Y-Kids sites for children grades K-8 are located in the four partnering school districts of Barnegat, Berkeley, Long Beach Island and Toms River. Our school day morning program begins at 6:45 a.m. to the start of school. Our afternoon program begins when school ends and goes until 6:00 p.m. Families can choose either a three, four or five day per week program throughout the school year.