Before and After School Programs
Free or low-cost before and after school programs are available in all of our district schools. Each school has either a STRETCH or DASH program and are both run by the YMCA. For families needing assistance paying for childcare, the YMCA's Childcare Resource Service has been helping parents apply for funding to help pay for childcare services, including day camp. For more information, please see the Web Links and Resources section below.
STRETCH Program
What is STRETCH? A Safe Time for Recreation and Tutoring of Children is one of several state-funded Expanded Learning Programs (ELP) offered by the YMCA of San Diego County in partnership with the district. This program operates immediately after school until 6 p.m. daily. However, this program does not operate when schools are closed, including intercessions, vacations, and holidays.
DASH Program
DASH (Dynamic After School Hours) is an enrichment and recreational program for children enrolled in transitional kindergarten (TK) through sixth grade funded by Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) State Funds and operated by the South Bay Family YMCA. Its purpose is to provide an afterschool enrichment program for students who qualify. DASH also includes a homework component, snacks, and recreation activities. DASH operates every school day for 2.5 hours on regular days and 3.5 hours on minimum days.
Character Builders
The South Bay Family YMCA operates a state licensed before and after school program on some school campuses called Character Builders. This program operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on all school days, including minimum days. This program is funded by parent fees*. The program includes morning fitness components, afterschool snacks, homework, STEAM projects, recreation, and more. This program is ideal for working families but open to all. The South Bay Family YMCA also offers scholarships to qualifying families needing help to pay for programs.
Junior Academy Program
The Junior Academy Program is a partnership with the YMCA of San Diego County to offer students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade a free full-day program during school breaks. The Junior Academy Program offers various academic and fun enrichment activities, field trips, and meals (breakfast, lunch, and snacks).
The Junior Academy Program is funded through Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). All families are welcome to apply, with priority given to unduplicated students: Foster Youth, McKinney Vento (Homeless) students, English Language Learners, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students. After the highest priority students have been registered, it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Junior Academy Dates
Fall Break: September 25 - October 6, 2023
Winter: No Programming
Spring: March 18 - March 28, 2024, *closed on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Summer: June 10 -June 28, 2024, *closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Forms and Documents