School-Age Care
for Real Life

Students are bussed from select East Orange pre-schools/schools to the YMCA for the onsite after care program at the Turrell Gym and the EOY Pre-School (see Registration FAQs for full list).

After Care is provided at the following schools from school dismissal – 6:30pm:

• Edward Bowser K-5
• Gibson Pre-K – 5
• Benjamin Banneker K – 8
• Sojourner Truth K – 8 (students from Patrick Healy and John L Costley may also attend this program)
• Dionne Warwick Pre-K – 5
• Forest St Community School (Orange School district)

• Dedicated homework time with staff support.
• STEAM, Arts & Enrichment, Character Development and Global Learning opportunities through the SCALED Learning curriculum.
• Outdoor recreational and physical fitness activities to encourage movement and fun.
• Dedicated, enthusiastic, and engaged staff
• Healthy snack & dinner provided
• Programs for Parents child care subsidy accepted
• Continued care when schools are closed through our Vacation Camp at the Y (additional registration/fee applies)

When can I register for the 2026-27 program?

Current students and siblings have priority to register from April 27 – May 3, then Y members from May 4-10. Community registration opens May 11.

How do I register?

All registrations for School Age Child Care programs are completed online through the Metro Y of the Oranges Pulse (SGA) registration system.

• New to the Y – Create an account in Pulse
• Families already participating in Y programs - log into your Pulse account
• Select the appropriate YMCA branch and SACC program
• Choose your child's schedule and complete required registration steps
• Submit payment for the registration fee to secure enrollment

Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. All families will be required to complete waivers and health history information before starting the programs as required for our State of NJ Child Care licensing.

What schools do you bus from?

In addition to the on-site programs, we offer transportation to our Y from select schools in East Orange. Parents will be notified by Aug. 1 if we cannot meet the minimum number of students to accommodate a stop. We bus from the following schools:

● Cicely Tyson Elementary and Middle School

● Gordon Parks Academy

● Edward T. Bowser School of Excellence (Pre-K only)

● Sheila Y. Oliver Academy

● Mildred Barry Garvin School

● Whitney E. Houston Academy

● Langston Hughes School

● Garfield Jackson Academy

● Ecole Toussaint Louverture School

● East Orange Stem Academy

What if my child attends a non-East Orange or Orange School District Facility? If you are interested in your child attending the East Orange YMCA Facility, you can register for the non-transport option. Participants must provide their own transportation to the facility. Please note: we follow the East Orange School district calendar in regards to school closings.

Do I have to choose my days in advance?
Yes. At registration, you select the days of the week your child will attend.

Please note: Days cannot be swapped. Missed days due to absences or school closures cannot be made up.

Can I change my scheduled days?
Yes. All schedule changes (adding or removing days or withdrawing) must be submitted using the Schedule Change Form. A $35 administrative fee applies per child, per request.

• Submission deadline – Wednesday
• Changes take effect the following Monday
• All changes are subject to availability

Does the Y offer care on Early Dismissal Days?

Aftercare on most Early Dismissal Days is offered at the Turrell gym and EOY Preschool only. We will bus participants from select schools to the Turrell Gym. There will be no programming at the EO school based sites on Early dismissal days. Forest St will also be closed on half days.

Will I be charged during school breaks and holidays?
Yes. Tuition is billed weekly as part of an annualized rate and is not adjusted for school closings, holidays, vacations, snow days, or absences. Early dismissal days are included.

I receive a state childcare subsidy. Can I enroll for fewer than five days?
No. Families receiving a subsidy must enroll for five days per week and pay the $50 registration fee per child at registration.

Will financial aid be reduced if I enroll for fewer than five days?
No. Financial aid is applied as a percentage of tuition, so the same percentage applies to the lower rate.

What is Drop-In Care?
Drop-In Care is a flexible option, available to both enrolled and non-enrolled families, to sign up for before and after care as needed. It is available starting October 1 for beforecare or aftercare, if space permits.

YMCA Member: $40 After Care
Community Member: $50 After Care

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am not currently enrolled?
Register through SGA Pulse for your branch's Drop-In Care option and pay the $50 registration fee.
Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance for each requested day.

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am already enrolled?
Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance. Approval is based on availability, and confirmation is sent by email.

Can I use Drop-In Care on a half day if I'm not scheduled that day?
Yes, if space permits. Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance.

Programs are held at Hackensack Elementary and Middle Schools. Before Care is offered from 7:15-8:25am, After Care from 3-6pm

• On-site before-care & after-care programs for Grades K - 4 at Fairmount, Hillers & Parker
• On-site aftercare program only for Grades K – 4 at Jackson and Grades 5 - 7 at Hackensack Middle School

• Dedicated homework time with staff support.
• STEAM, Arts & Enrichment, Character Development, and Global Learning opportunities through the SCALED Learning curriculum.
• Outdoor recreational and physical fitness activities to encourage movement and fun.
• Dedicated, enthusiastic, and engaged staff
• Healthy snack provided
• Childcare subsidy accepted
• Continued care when schools are closed through our Vacation Camp at the New Milford Program Center (additional registration/fee applies).

When can I register for the 2026-27 program?

Current students and siblings have priority to register from April 27 – May 3. Community registration opens May 4.

How do I register?

All registrations for School Age Child Care programs are completed online through the Metro Y of the Oranges Pulse (SGA) registration system.

• New to the Y – Create an account in Pulse
• Families already participating in Y programs - log into your Pulse account
• Select the appropriate YMCA branch and SACC program
• Choose your child's schedule and complete required registration steps
• Submit payment for the registration fee to secure enrollment

Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. All families will be required to complete waivers and health history information before starting the programs as required for our State of NJ Child Care licensing.

Do I have to choose my days in advance?
Yes. At registration, you select the days of the week your child will attend.

Please note: Days cannot be swapped. Missed days due to absences or school closures cannot be made up.

What happens if my child's school SACC site is full?
Once a site reaches its licensed capacity, we start a waitlist. You can add your child(ren) to the waitlist via Pulse or by contacting our Remote Welcome Center at 973-758-9039. If a spot becomes available, you will receive a phone call and/or email from our office.

Can I change my scheduled days?
Yes. All schedule changes (adding or removing days or withdrawing) must be submitted using the Schedule Change Form. A $35 administrative fee applies per child, per request.

What are the program hours?
Before Care runs from 7:15 to 8:25 am and After Care runs from school dismissal until 6:00pm.

Will I be charged during school breaks and holidays?
Yes. Tuition is billed weekly as part of an annualized rate and is not adjusted for school closings, holidays, vacations, snow days, or absences. Early dismissal days are included.

I receive a state childcare subsidy. Can I enroll for fewer than five days?
No. Families receiving a subsidy must enroll for five days per week and pay the $50 registration fee per child at registration.

Will financial aid be reduced if I enroll for fewer than five days?
No. Financial aid is applied as a percentage of tuition, so the same percentage applies to the lower rate.

What is Drop-In Care?
Drop-In Care is a flexible option, available to both enrolled and non-enrolled families, to sign up for before and after care as needed. It is available starting October 1 for beforecare or aftercare, if space permits.

YMCA Member: $16 Before Care, $39 After Care. Pre-registration is required.

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am not currently enrolled?
Register through SGA Pulse for your branch's Drop-In Care option and pay the $50 registration fee.
Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance for each requested day.

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am already enrolled?
Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance. Approval is based on availability, and confirmation is sent by email.

Can I use Drop-In Care on a half day if I'm not scheduled that day?
Yes, if space permits. Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance.

Programs are held at South Orange/Maplewood schools and Y facilities (see the FAQs for the full list). Before care is offered from 7:15- school opening , After Care from school dismissal - 6:30pm

• Dedicated homework time with staff support.
• STEAM, Arts & Enrichment, Character Development and Global Learning opportunities through the SCALED Learning curriculum.
• Outdoor recreational and physical fitness activities to encourage movement and fun.
• Dedicated, enthusiastic, and engaged staff
• Healthy snack provided
• Programs for Parents childcare subsidy accepted
• Continued care when schools are closed through our Vacation Camp at the St. Joe’s Program Center (additional registration/fee applies).

When can I register for the 2026-27 program?

Current students and siblings have priority to register from April 27 – May 3. Y members can register from May 4 – 10. Community registration opens May 11.

How do I register?

All registrations for School Age Child Care programs are completed online through the Metro Y of the Oranges Pulse (SGA) registration system.

• New to the Y – Create an account in Pulse
• Families already participating in Y programs - log into your Pulse account
• Select the South Mountain YMCA and SACC program(s)
• Choose your child’s schedule and complete required registration steps
• Submit payment for the registration fee to secure enrollment

Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. All families will be required to complete waivers and health history information before starting the programs as required for our State of NJ Child Care licensing.

How do I register a Monstrose Pre-schooler or Kindergarten child?

Our registration date comes before the SOMASD district announces kindergarten placements. We reserve space in all Before and After Care programs for incoming kindergarteners. Please note:

• Our registration date comes before the SOMASD district announces pre-K and Kindergarten placements. We reserve space in all Before and After Care programs for incoming kindergarteners. Space in Montrose is limited.
• If your child/ren are incoming Kindergarteners, you must register in the “SM KINDERS” holding group.
• If your child is registered for Universal Pre-K, register for the Montrose program. Add your child to the waitlist if it is at capacity.
• Once SM Kinders is at capacity, please add your child(ren) to the waiting list for SM KINDERS only.
• After the school district has given a school location for your child/ren, we will send out a survey and register children at sites based on the time stamp from when you registered for SM KINDERS or Montrose.
• Even if you have a sibling currently in our program please register for SM KINDERS and not the school that the sibling is in.

What sites are available?

• Clinton
• Bolden
• Marshall
• Seth Boyden
• South Mountain Annex (Before Care is provided at SME, a shuttle bus is provided by the district to transport children to the Annex)
• South Mountain Elementary
• Tuscan
• Montrose Pre-School

We offer two off-site programs to help meet child care needs. Participants are bussed from their schools to the following sites:

• Program Center, 13 Jefferson Ave. We bus from Annex, South Mountain, Marshall
• St. Joseph Church, 240 Franklin Ave. We bus from Clinton, Tuscan, Bolden, & Seth Boyden

What happens if my child’s school SACC site is full?

Once a site reaches its licensed capacity, we start a waitlist. You can add your child(ren) to the waitlist via Pulse or by contacting our Remote Welcome Center at 973-758-9039. If a spot becomes available, you will receive a phone call and/or email from our office. The off-site programs are another option to consider, depending on your child’s school.

Do I have to choose my days in advance?
Yes. At registration, you select the days of the week your child will attend.

Please note: Days cannot be swapped. Missed days due to absences or school closures cannot be made up.

Can I change my scheduled days?
Yes. All schedule changes (adding or removing days or withdrawing) must be submitted using the Schedule Change Form. A $35 administrative fee applies per child, per request.

• Submission deadline – Monday 7pm
• Changes take effect the following Monday
• All changes are subject to availability

What are the program hours?

Before Care runs from 7:15 to 8:25 am and After Care runs from school dismissal until 6:00pm.

Will I be charged during school breaks and holidays?
Yes. Tuition is billed weekly as part of an annualized rate and is not adjusted for school closings, holidays, vacations, snow days, or absences. Early dismissal days are included.

I receive a state childcare subsidy. Can I enroll for fewer than five days?
No. Families receiving a subsidy must enroll for five days per week and pay the $50 registration fee per child at registration.

Will financial aid be reduced if I enroll for fewer than five days?
No. Financial aid is applied as a percentage of tuition, so the same percentage applies to the lower rate.

What is Drop-In Care?
Drop-In Care is a flexible option, available to both enrolled and non-enrolled families, to sign up for before and after care as needed. It is available starting October 1 for beforecare or aftercare, if space permits.

YMCA Member:
$30 Before Care
$46 After Care

Community Member: 
$40 Before Care
$56 After Care

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am not currently enrolled?
Register through SGA Pulse for your branch's Drop-In Care option and pay the $50 registration fee.
Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance for each requested day.

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am already enrolled?
Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance. Approval is based on availability, and confirmation is sent by email.

Can I use Drop-In Care on a half day if I'm not scheduled that day?
Yes, if space permits. Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance.

Programs are held at various elementary schools in Sussex County and Blairstown Elementary (please refer to the FAQs for the full list). Before Care is offered from 7:00am until school opening, After Care from school dismissal- 6:00pm

• Care for pre-K – 6^th grade (varies by school)
• Dedicated homework time with staff support.
• STEAM, Arts & Enrichment, Character Development and Global Learning opportunities through the SCALED Learning curriculum.
• Outdoor recreational and physical fitness activities to encourage movement and fun.
• Dedicated, enthusiastic, and engaged staff
• Healthy snack provided
• Flexible schedules – chose the days you need, drop-in care also available
• NORWESCAP child care subsidy accepted
• Continued care when schools are closed through our Vacation Camp at the Y (additional registration/fee applies).

When can I register for the 2026-27 program?

Current students and siblings have priority to register from April 27 – May 3. Y members can register from May 4 – 10. Community registration opens May 11.

How do I register?

All registrations for School Age Child Care programs are completed online through the Metro Y of the Oranges Pulse (SGA) registration system.

• New to the Y – Create an account in Pulse
• Families already participating in Y programs - log into your Pulse account
• Select the appropriate YMCA branch and SACC program
• Choose your child’s schedule and complete required registration steps
• Submit payment for the registration fee to secure enrollment

Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. All families will be required to complete waivers and health history information before starting the programs as required for our State of NJ Child Care licensing.

What sites are available?

● Hardyston Elementary School (Pre K - 4th grade)

● Franklin School (Pre K - 6th grade)

● Blairstown Elementary School (K - 6th grade)

● Ogdensburg School (Pre K - 6th grade)

● Stillwater Township School (Pre K - 6th grade)

● Florence M. Burd Elementary School - Andover (Pre K - 6th grade)

● Merriam Avenue School - Newton (Before Care: Pre K - 4th grade, Aftercare: Pre K - 2nd grade)

● Lafayette Township School (Pre K - 6th grade)

● Hamburg School (Pre K - 6th grade)

● Marian E. McKeown Elementary School - Hampton (Pre K - 6th grade)

ALL STUDENTS IN OUR PROGRAMS MUST BE FULLY POTTY-TRAINED

Before Care/Aftercare programs are also available to students that attend Ridge and Valley Charter School and Long Pond Middle School.

• Ridge and Valley students can be bussed by their school district to attend YMCA Before Care/Aftercare programs at Blairstown Elementary School.
• Long Pond students can be transported to the YMCA Before Care/Aftercare programs at Florence M. Burd Elementary School in Andover.

Parents/guardians will need to reach out to the school district directly to arrange bussing for their child(ren).

Do I have to choose my days in advance?
Yes. At registration, you select the days of the week your child will attend.

Please note: Days cannot be swapped. Missed days due to absences or school closures cannot be made up.

What happens if my child’s school SACC site is full?

Once a site reaches its licensed capacity, we start a waitlist. You can add your child(ren) to the waitlist via Pulse or by contacting our Remote Welcome Center at 973-758-9039. If a spot becomes available, you will receive a phone call and/or email from our office.

Can I change my scheduled days?
Yes. All schedule changes (adding or removing days or withdrawing) must be submitted using the Schedule Change Form. A $35 administrative fee applies per child, per request.

• Submission deadline – Wednesday
• Changes take effect the following Monday
• All changes are subject to availability

What are the program hours?

Before Care runs from 7:00am to the start of the school day and After Care runs from school dismissal until 6:00pm.

Will I be charged during school breaks and holidays?
Yes. Tuition is billed weekly as part of an annualized rate and is not adjusted for school closings, holidays, vacations, snow days, or absences. Early dismissal days are included.

I receive a state childcare subsidy. Can I enroll for fewer than five days?
No. Families receiving a subsidy must enroll for five days per week and pay the $50 registration fee per child at registration.

Will financial aid be reduced if I enroll for fewer than five days?
No. Financial aid is applied as a percentage of tuition, so the same percentage applies to the lower rate.

What is Drop-In Care?
Drop-In Care is a flexible option, available to both enrolled and non-enrolled families, to sign up for before and after care as needed. It is available starting October 1 for beforecare or aftercare, if space permits.

YMCA Member:
$30 Before Care
$44 After Care

Community Member: 
$40 Before Care
$54 After Care

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am not currently enrolled?
Register through SGA Pulse for your branch's Drop-In Care option and pay the $50 registration fee.
Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance for each requested day.

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am already enrolled?
Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance. Approval is based on availability, and confirmation is sent by email.

Can I use Drop-In Care on a half day if I'm not scheduled that day?
Yes, if space permits. Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance.

Livingston School District – after care is provided from school dismissal until 6:00pm at Burnet Hill, Collins, Harrison, Hillside, Mount Pleasant Elementary and Middle School and Riker Hill.

West Orange/Roseland – before and after care programs are held at St Cloud and Redwood Elementary (West Orange) and the Lester C. Noecker School (K – 6) in Roseland. Before care is offered from 7:00am- school opening, After Care from school dismissal - 6:00pm

• Dedicated homework time with staff support.
• STEAM, Arts & Enrichment, Character Development and Global Learning opportunities through the SCALED Learning curriculum.
• Outdoor recreational and physical fitness activities to encourage movement and fun.
• Dedicated, enthusiastic, and engaged staff
• Healthy snack provided
• Program for Parents childcare subsidy accepted.
• Continued care when schools are closed through our Vacation Camp at the Y (additional registration/fee applies).

When can I register for the 2026-27 program?

April 27* – May 3 – Priority registration for current students and siblings.

May 4* – 7 – Registration for Y Family Memberships

May 8* – 10 – Registration for Y Members

Community registration opens May 11.

* Opens at 6am

How do I register?

All registrations for School Age Child Care programs are completed online through the Metro Y of the Oranges Pulse (SGA) registration system.

• New to the Y – Create an account in Pulse
• Families already participating in Y programs - log into your Pulse account
• Select the appropriate YMCA branch and SACC program
• Choose your child’s schedule and complete required registration steps
• Submit payment for the registration fee to secure enrollment

Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. All families will be required to complete waivers and health history information before starting the programs as required for our State of NJ Child Care licensing.

What sites are available?

● Burnet Hill

● Collins

● Harrison

● Hillside

● Riker Hill

● Mount Pleasant Elementary

● Mount Pleasant Middle

● Redwood

● St. Cloud

● Noecker

● Peanut Shell (West Orange Pre-K)

What happens if my child’s school SACC site is full?

Once a site reaches its licensed capacity, we start a waitlist. You can add your child(ren) to the waitlist via Pulse or by contacting our Remote Welcome Center at 973-758-9039. If a spot becomes available, you will receive a phone call and/or email from our office.

What if my child attends a district Preschool other than Peanut Shell?

We only offer a Pre-K Before and After Care program at Peanut Shell. We cannot provide childcare services, if a child is registered to attend other district sponsored programs.

If you are waitlisted for the Peanut Shell before and after school, please be patient. Spots often open up due to a child receiving placement in other district programs.

Do I have to choose my days in advance?
Yes. At registration, you select the days of the week your child will attend.

Please note: Days cannot be swapped. Missed days due to absences or school closures cannot be made up.

Can I change my scheduled days?
Yes. All schedule changes (adding or removing days or withdrawing) must be submitted using the Schedule Change Form. A $35 administrative fee applies per child, per request.

• Submission deadline – Monday
• Changes take effect the following Monday
• All changes are subject to availability
  
  

What are the program hours?

Before Care runs from 7:00am to the start of the school day and After Care runs from school dismissal until 6:00pm.

Will I be charged during school breaks and holidays?
Yes. Tuition is billed weekly as part of an annualized rate and is not adjusted for school closings, holidays, vacations, snow days, or absences. Early dismissal days are included.

I receive a state childcare subsidy. Can I enroll for fewer than five days?
No. Families receiving a subsidy must enroll for five days per week and pay the $50 registration fee per child at registration.

Will financial aid be reduced if I enroll for fewer than five days?
No. Financial aid is applied as a percentage of tuition, so the same percentage applies to the lower rate.

What is Drop-In Care?
Drop-In Care is a flexible option, available to both enrolled and non-enrolled families, to sign up for before and after care as needed. It is available starting October 1 for beforecare or aftercare, if space permits.

Before Care:
Roseland and West Orange Only.
YMCA Member:
$25

Community Member: 
$40

After Care:
Livingston, Roseland and West Orange Only.
YMCA Member:
$57

Community Member: 
$72

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am not currently enrolled?
Register through SGA Pulse for your branch's Drop-In Care option and pay the $50 registration fee.
Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance for each requested day.

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am already enrolled?
Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance. Approval is based on availability, and confirmation is sent by email.

Can I use Drop-In Care on a half day if I'm not scheduled that day?
Yes, if space permits. Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance.

Available on days when East Orange Public Schools are closed, and Summer Camp is not in session, our School's Out Vacation Camp will solve your child care needs. Children have fun in an enjoyable environment, supervised by YMCA school-aged child care staff. Children should come prepared with sneakers.

Location: East Orange YMCA
Time: 7:45 AM - 6:30 PM
Ages: 6 -13 years

Camp themes

Schedule Change Form

FAQs 2025-26

Site Phone Numbers

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Location: East Orange YMCA
Time: 7:45 AM - 6:30 PM
Ages: 3-6 years

Schedule Change Form

REGISTER NOW