Canton School Board Expected to Vote on YMCA Program

The Canton Board of Education is expected to vote Tuesday night on a proposal to offer a YMCA before- and after-school program in town.

Last month, the board heard a presentation from Farmington Valley YMCA officials about the program. If approved, it would be offered to at School in April, May and June of this year. Busing for younger participants would be provided to and from .

The school-aged child development program would provide much more than simple child care, especially in the afternoon, according to Michael R. Garcia, senior direct of camp and School Aged Child Care for the Farmington Valley YMCA.

Every afternoon children would receive homework and literacy support. And twice a month, students would participate in arts projects, character development, health, wellness and fitness activities, science and technology, and service learning.

In addition, the program can be tailored to offer support for specific Canton academic initiatives.

“What I’m really excited about are the curriculum connections,” Superintendent Kevin Case told the board at its last meeting.

The morning program would begin at 7 a.m. and last until school starts, while the afternoon session would go from the end of school to 6 p.m.

The program is offered now in Granby, East Granby and Avon. Parents would have several options, including enrolling in three-day or five-day programs.

Prices vary depending on options and frequency but range from $211 per month for morning care three days a week to $675 for morning and afternoon care five days a week. The YMCA does offer financial assistance.

For more details about the program, see the attached PDF. 

Tonight's meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the .