Each year, we are asked to fill out a survey, and not much has changed. This is why the score is low. The program has a lot of potential to grow, but there are some areas that could be significantly improved. For example, the activities that are offered at the Y program are not very robust. Often, my child complains of not having balls or fun activities and needs to bring items from home. Two hours of free play for young students is not the best environment and leads to issues with behavior or injuries. Perhaps organizing the program by themes for each month, with long-term projects or even community outreach, would make the program much stronger. Possibly, more opportunities to go out on the playground when it's nice too. There were a few hiccups with staff, but that has improved since the middle of the year. Also, a huge problem that has never been resolved is not being able to include both sets of parents on notifications. For years, we have been told this is not possible and can't be fixed, but it seems like an issue that should be resolved. It's not acceptable that only one parent gets the notifications when both parents want and need to be involved with announcements. Finally, I would like to ensure close oversight of students to avoid injuries and/or behavior problems. The program is a huge need for our family, and we appreciate it being available, but we hope more improvements can be made. Thank you for taking the time to consider our feedback.

I absolutely love all the counselors at this Ycare - it’s like having close family watch, teach and play with my child. Such an amazing positive influence these counselors have on my child !! From the bottom of my heart I thank them all!!

On Delayed Opening days, before care should still be open and operate on a delayed opening schedule. So if before care at OHES typically opens at 7:30, it would open at 9:30 on a delayed opening. This is common practice across other local school districts/outside providers for before care.

A perfect place for after school activities and homework help

The program used to be unstructured play - and the kids loved it. That's what they need before going into a highly structured school day. They have cut down outside time, banned balls, banned the games they enjoy like kickball, and made it very unenjoyable for the kids by trying to "over structure" it. It is not living up to the values of the YMCA and needs more experienced staff who enjoy kids.

Thank you for all your efforts, but I do think there are areas for improvement. We would like to see more structured activities. Perhaps more educational opportunities and less unstructured activities that pose a risk to get hurt. You could do read alouds, group community / school projects, themed days, learn about different holidays, small group activities, chess, or just more art projects. My kids have enjoyed the art activities such as pearler beads, bracelets, etc. We appreciate how the instructors are always there on time. However, some are more outgoing than others. It would be nice to get monthly updates about what YMCA is doing each month to keep the kids engaged and maybe even a feature about the instructors. The instructors are caring for our kids each day and we barely know who is there. Also, my kids sometimes complain that the snacks aren't the best, so maybe a refresh is needed. Thank you for all your care.

Our daughter is happy having the time and space to be with her friends and to be given freedom to play and be a kid.

This year my son at LMS had outstanding chancellors. They are so nice and polite and get along with kids greatly. They treat kids with such friendly manners and are creating wonderful afterschool atmosphere.

Offer more varied activities/options. Group kids by activity/behavior. Have more staff that are more engaged.

Very friendly management and ready to work with any of your request

As you know there will be new service serving Princeton elementary schools next year. They say they will be able to accommodate all families that need childcare, unlike the YMCA program this year.

my child enjoyed very well in the program thank you very much

The teachers are wonderful and foster a strong sense of care with the children.

The staff really care about the students and try to have a variety of activities for the kids to do. My kids also like the snacks!

The price is certainly affordable, but most counselors are just hanging out on their phone.

The friendly staff and the flexibility in changing the curriculum based on kids' interests/needs.

Our experience with the after care program has been nothing but positive! I am disheartened to learn that the district ended their connection with you and hope you all will continue to be able to provide quality care to the area kids. Many thanks!

I've already recommended the YMCA to my neighbor who signed up her son for Village. Honestly, throughout the change of staff, the YMCA After School program has been the most consistent of my experience there. Mr. Walker, Ms. Roe, and Mr. Matt (Director), have been flexible, attentive, and the kids really enjoy them despite some parents being inconsiderate/rude. The snacks are healthy, there are PLENTY of crafts and activities. I never felt like the staff were babysitting. I have felt that way about OHES though, they don't interact with the kids the same way. Anyways, very happy to have the Village team and looking forward to them again next year.

The communication with parents hasn't been great. There have been times when the ratio of children to adult did not feel good and it felt like there wasn't enough structure to keep the kids out of trouble.

1. There was no room for my child until May. 2. The communications with the YMCA people was impossible numerous emails and phonically were never replied to.

My kids love going to ymca child care and they love the teachers too.

The counselor are great. I feel comfortable with my child in their care. Also, the convenience of it being located at their school.

Very kind instructors and coordinators. They created a warm and supportive environment for my children, aged 8 and 5, to learn through play and crafts.

Affordable and our kid enjoyed it

The team working at the VES Ymca program are really great.