Question

We are starting kindergarten in the fall (203) and I was planning on using YMCA safe n sound program for after school. However, I’m coming to realize that for new families it’s a first come first serve open registration. They haven’t announced the open registration date since Covid-19 happened. But I’m wondering when I need to get there for registration to get a spot. Does anyone have advice on when to go or how best to get a spot? Any help is much appreciated!  

Answer 1

When they do post the date/time, get there early! When I did this a few years back I was there shortly after 5am for a 7am start. I was the 5th in line for our school. Some schools only have a handful of openings and they go fast.  

Comments

@thrall Yup. ^^^this. They line up early!  

Answer 2

What school?  

Answer 3

I was wondering the same! We will be at Highlands.  

Comments

@cosette last year they did not have enough people signed up for am. so only afternoon was available

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Same here! My daughter will be going to Highlands as well.  

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@albano we only need pm. Was it hard to get in to the program at Highlands? Thanks!  

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@cosette I did not need pm, so am not sure.  

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@albano thanks!  

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@cosette @janellejanene4331 My not-so-little guy  will be at Highlands next year too! Hello!  

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@serval Hello! Excited and nervous to be starting  

Answer 4

Our kids go to Highlands Safe n Sound program. They make a few friends over there. Both girls enjoy doing crafts and games over there. When I registered my older one back a few years ago, we had the option to email the registration package. It was not as popular as it is now. I could sign her up in December. Let me know if you want me to dig out that email address for you.  

Comments

@borrell that would be great - thank you!  

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@cosette try Jordan jprieboy@ymcachicago. org. Not sure they work from home

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@borrell thank you!  

Answer 5

What school will you be enrolled with? The champions program is awesome

Answer 6

Sorry! I should have put the school! We will be Elmwood.  

Comments

@racemose my good friend got to sign ups at 3am last year for Elmwood and was #10 on the waitlist. that is a very hard school to get a spot at. I would try to start making a back up plan unfortunately . Her and her husband do kindercare for their son instead

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@afterclap WOW! I had heard something similar but was hoping that was not true. Thank you for the info. Can I ask does your friend do KinderCare on 75th and she likes it?  

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Paige Pedigo Leonard can you answer that?  

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@racemose yes, my daughter goes to Elmwood but is moving on to middle school next year. I looked into it for my incoming kindergarteners and was told to be there very early because it’s hard to get a spot.  

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@afterclap I am in the process of waitlisting again with no assurance of getting into the after school program. Kindercare is fine for Parker, he doesn’t mind it. He’s more jealous of the “walkers” who are picked up by parents. Oh Well, can’t help there lol.  

Answer 7

The Compass School does before and after school care to Elmwood too!  

Answer 8

Unsure when signup is this year, but Elnwood is really hard to get into for Safe & Sound - this year there were no spaces for new families (with younger siblings of kids already in the program getting grandfathered in). I have a current kindergartener and have been on the waitlist all year. (The good news is that once you’re on the list, you keep that spot) My son has been going to Naperville Yard and it was great for him - they get to play on the climbing room, soccer fields, and bounce houses. Especially in the winter, it was awesome to get so much daily activity! We also went to KinderCare Knowledge Beginnings for most of the year (before switching to NY) and I think it’s a good option too, though I think my son was a bit bored. Happy to chat about our experience - feel free to PM me!  

Comments

@insist I really appreciate this info! I didn’t realize existing student’s siblings are grandfathered in. That explains a lot on the waitlist.