RICHMOND - The YMCA continues it’s quest to offer programs that build "strong kids, strong families and strong communities," with it’s School’s Out program, according to Arcadia YMCA Director Scott McLeod.

About 58 children participate in the after-school program that takes place at four different sites including Charlestown, Richmond, Hope Valley and Ashaway elementary schools. The program, which runs during the school year, gives children a safe place to go at the end of the school day and gives parents peace of mind that their children are in good hands. Without this type of program, some children might go home to an empty house, parents may have to leave work early, and in some cases, not work at all.

The children report to the gym or cafeteria at the end of their school day, where they find YMCA staff ready to help them with their homework. If they don’t have any homework it is a time to wind down from the busy school day and they can read or color. McLeod adds that because the youngsters have help with their homework, it frees up time for family interaction later when everyone gets home at the end of a long day. He believes with more time and attention for each other, families are strengthened.

The children are offered a snack and recreational activities are provided that may include creative arts and crafts as well as opportunities to get physical. With different components to each day, they try to keep it interesting and engaging for the kids.

"The health of children today is not very good," McLeod points out, "due to their sedentary lifestyle, between computers and video games."

So, the physical aspect of the program is increasingly important. Soon the fitness staff from the Arcadia branch will begin rotating to different schools to bring aerobics into the School’s Out program.

School’s Out is a model designed by the National YMCA that keeps children in their own communities where they live, rather than having to be bused to another location. With a minimum of 1-8 teacher to child ratio, there is plenty of personal attention.

During school vacations, the program still runs, but the kids will be in the program all day participating in a variety of field trips. During February vacation the schedule included trips to the Children’s Museum in Boston, bowling, swimming, Get Fired Up in Pawcatuck to paint pottery and Higgins Armory in Worcester, Mass. The YMCA tries to keep the offerings diverse and tries not to repeat the same trips during the April and Christmas vacation weeks.

School’s Out is licensed through the Department of Children, Youth and Families and accepts state subsidies for payments. Financial assistance is available as well as discounts for families with more than one child enrolled. Families can choose to enroll three, four or five days a week and the rates include vacation weeks at no additional charge.

For more information, call (401)539-2306.