Sep 19
Marin YMCA BEFORE & After School Program
Brookside Elementary School
Keeping youth active and engaged during out-of-school time.
Marin YMCA BEFORE- and After- school Program at Brookside Elementary School
Our YMCA before- and after-school program fosters each child’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development through opportunities and experiences that focus on achievement, relationships, and belonging.
Amazing Learning Experiences
As an organization committed to positive youth development, our before and afterschool programs support your child’s academic success and promote healthy physical, emotional, and social development.
The program’s curriculum is designed to expose youth to a wide variety of activities, improve critical thinking skills, develop leadership, build character and confidence, and improve overall health and wellness.
Activities include: homework help, team sports, nutrition and cooking classes, arts, academic enrichments, and more!
How to Register
To register online, you will need to log in to your Community Portal account to access your student’s afterschool program. If you do not have an online account, you can create one through our Community Portal by clicking on ‘New Participant’. Due to registration requirements, select branches do not offer online registration and must be done in person.
You do not need a YMCA Facility Membership to register; however, YGSF members with active Facility Memberships can receive a discount of up to 20% on select youth development programs. If you’d like to join the Y, please click here to select the membership plan that best suits your needs.
Families without Facility Memberships can register as Community Members; this account is free of charge.
Once you have logged into your account, you will be able to select the camp sessions you’d like to register for. A deposit is due for each weekly session for each child. Please note that deposits are non-refundable.
General Program Information
The YMCA before- and after-school program at Brookside Elementary School is in partnership with the Ross Valley School District and the YMCA of Greater San Francisco.
Registration Information
A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. Our programs are closed on major holidays. A YMCA staff member will provide information on closure dates.
Our afterschool program provides multi-day options from 5 days a week to 2 days a week. Please click below to view care options and program pricing.
We also offer Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Gap Care from 1:40-3:00 pm.
Program details are provided below.
Grades
We accept students entering transitional kindergarten through 5th grade.
Program Dates
School year: 08/18/2026-06/10/2027
Before School Care Days
Monday through Friday, 5 days a week. Care begins at 7:00 am until the school day starts.
After School Care Days
Monday through Friday, 5 days a week. Our after-school program runs from the end of the school day until 6:00 pm.
Gap Care for Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten students runs from the end of the school day until 3:00 pm.
View our Afterschool Daily Schedule here.
Parent/Guardian Frequently Asked Questions
Find information on staff ratios, snacks, and more in our FAQ section.
Parent/Guardian Handbook
Your program site coordinator or director will provide a detailed Welcome Packet.
Before school Care
Incoming Grades: TK-5th
Beforeschool is 5 days a week. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is due upon enrollment. Monthly program fees are due on the 1st of the month.
Program hours are from 7:00 am until the school day starts.
Please click on the register button to see the program registration fees.
Financial Assistance and third-party billing information are provided below.
Morning care from 7:00 am until school begins.
After school Care
Incoming Grades: TK-5th
Afterschool options include a 5-day, 3-day, and 2-day option. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is due upon enrollment. Monthly program fees are due on the 1st of the month.
Program hours are from school-dismissal until 6:00 pm.
Please click on the register button to see the program registration fees.
Financial Assistance and third-party billing information are provided below.
Full day care from school dismissal until 6:00 pm.
Full day care from school dismissal until 6:00 pm.
Full day care from school dismissal until 6:00 pm.
TK & K Gap Care Program
Incoming Grades: Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten
Our Gap Care program operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Wednesdays are NOT included.
Program hours are from school dismissal through 3:00 pm.
Families who need care until 6:00 pm must register for the Afterschool Program. Please see above.
Please click on the register button to see the program registration fees.
Financial Assistance and third-party billing information are provided below.
Part time care from school dismissal until 3:00 pm. Wednesdays are not included.
ELO-P & Free/Reduced Lunch Families
ELO-P eligibility: English Language Learners, Eligible for Free/Reduced Meal Program, Foster Youth, or Homeless.
The afterschool program at Brookside Elementary School is an ELO-P site. If you would like to register for an ELO-P slot, please get in touch with both the site coordinator and the site director to determine whether you qualify for the ELO-Program by clicking here. Please expect to hear back from the YMCA staff within 5-7 business days after sending your email.
The site coordinator will work with the school district to determine eligibility and review capacity. You will be contacted once you have been accepted into the program.
If you have questions regarding the ELO-Program, please contact the program site coordinator and the program site director by clicking here.
When School is out, We’re here
At Marin YMCA’s before- and after-school programs, we are excited to partner with you and your student during the out-of-school time.
During the school-year holidays, we offer school-year/one-day camps as well as summer camps for an additional fee. Please click below to learn more about our camp offerings.
Afterschool Daily Schedule
Students should bring a water bottle and extra snacks each day.
Download a printer-friendly version of our daily afterschool schedule here:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | ‘Fun’ Friday | |
| 1:15 PM | Staff Prep | Staff Prep | Staff Prep | Staff Prep | Staff Prep |
| 1:40 PM | Gap-Care Sign-In | Gap-Care Sign-In | All Grades Sign-In | Gap-Care Sign-In | Gap-Care Sign-In |
| 1:50-2:10 PM | Active Recreation | Active Recreation | First Snack | Active Recreation | Active Recreation |
| 2:10-3:00 PM | Gap Stations | Gap Stations | Youth Choice Recreation | Gap Stations | Gap Stations |
| 3:00 PM | Gap-Care Sign-Out | Gap-Care Sign-Out | Youth Choice Recreation | Gap-Care Sign-Out | Gap-Care Sign-Out |
| 3:00 PM | Sign-In (1st-5th grades) | Sign-In (1st-5th grades) | Youth Choice Recreation | Sign-In (1st-5th grades) | Sign-In (1st-5th grades) |
| 3:10 PM | First Snack | First Snack | Kid Connection | First Snack | First Snack |
| 3:30-4:30 PM | Homework & Literacy | Homework & Literacy | Homework & Literacy | Homework & Literacy | Youth Choice Recreation |
| 4:30-4:45 PM | Enrichment Activity | Enrichment Activity | Enrichment Activity | Enrichment Activity | Enrichment Activity |
| 4:45-5:30 PM | Kid Connection & Second Snack | Kid Connection & Second Snack | Kid Connection & Second Snack | Kid Connection & Second Snack | Kid Connection & Second Snack |
| 5:30-6:00 PM | Youth Choice Recreation | Youth Choice Recreation | Youth Choice Recreation | Youth Choice Recreation | Youth Choice Recreation |
| 6:00 PM | All Grades Sign-Out | All Grades Sign-Out | All Grades Sign-Out | All Grades Sign-Out | All Grades Sign-Out |
Program Policies
YMCA staff will release children only to an approved parent or guardian who arrives for pickup. Any other individual picking up your child must appear on your authorized pick-up list.
You and any additional authorized adult picking up your student must present a photo ID. Parents/Guardians must sign their child out daily. Staff will not release any child into the custody of an individual not approved by the registering parent or guardian.
We take your child(ren)’s safety very seriously and want to provide a safe environment for all. Please be sure to list everyone authorized to pick up your child(ren) on the release form during your registration process, including yourself.
In the event that authorized individuals cannot pick up the child, the parent must call the Site Coordinator to advise the site of who will pick up the child(ren).
The YMCA charges a $5 late fee per minute if you do not pick up your student by closing time. Financial assistance and third-party agencies do not cover this fee. After 30 minutes, we will contact the individuals on your emergency contact list. If we cannot reach anyone, we must notify the local police and CPS. Furthermore, the YMCA reserves the right to terminate care if you pick up your child late more than five times.
Our program rates are based on 180 school days. Holidays and School In-Service days are not included. Rates are divided into 10 equal payments per school year, August through May.
If you wish to cancel or modify your registration, the parent/guardian must provide a 30-day written notice to cancel or modify for the following month. Please see below for details.
Monthly program fees are due on the 1st of the month. Automatic Bank Draft is available and is the preferred payment method, which can be set up in your online Community Portal account.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any form of payment at the program sites. You may visit our branch to make a payment at the membership desk. We accept checks, credit cards, cash, money orders, or cashier’s checks at YMCA branches. Please check with your Site Coordinator if you wish to pay your tuition in person. Parents can register, manage, and schedule their own payments online and access their childcare tax statement. Please visit www.community.ymcasf.org to access online accounts.
Please note that the bank charges a $25 fee for all rejected auto-payments. The YMCA does not credit or adjust program fees for absences, teacher workdays, holidays, or vacations. We apply a $15 late fee to any account remaining unpaid after the 1st of the month. Additionally, we automatically drop participants from the program if we do not receive payment by the 10th. If your account becomes delinquent, we will refer it to a collection agency.
Fees are subject to change with a one-month written notice.
School-year/one-day camps are provided during school breaks and teacher workdays at an additional cost. Program registration is completed online through the Community Portal.
Parents or guardians must provide a 30-day written notice before the monthly draft date. Our staff requires this notice to proceed with your request, as we cannot cancel a month once the draft date has passed. To process this change, please fill out a Child Care Change form. You can obtain this form from your site coordinator or from the parent table at your location. Reduced schedules take effect on the 1st of the following month, while increased schedules depend on space availability.
Financial Assistance & Third-Party Billing
We accept 3rd-party billing, such as Children’s Council, Marin Childcare Council, or 4Cs. Before you can enroll your student, you must submit a Certificate/Contract of child services provided by your caseworker to [email protected]. Please note that you may be responsible for a portion of the monthly dues. Please contact your caseworker to let them know which program you’d like to register for.
Financial assistance is available to families who qualify, made possible by donors of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco. Please see below for more information.
How to Apply for Financial Assistance
The YMCA of Greater San Francisco welcomes everyone to our programs. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we offer financial assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. As an equal-opportunity provider, we strive to make our programs accessible to all families.
How to Apply
Scholarship amounts vary based on your household income, county, and program site. If you believe your family qualifies, please follow these steps:
- Complete our Financial Assistance application:
- Gather two types of income verification (see the form for accepted documents).
- Email your completed form and documents to [email protected]:
Keeping Your Financial Assistance Aid Current
If we awarded you assistance during the current calendar year, you do not need to reapply for new programs. However, if you have not yet received an award this year, please submit a new application. You can expect a response from one of our associates within approximately 15 business days.
Trained Youth Development Staff
YMCA of Greater San Francisco Staff are certified in CPR and First Aid. We conduct background checks and recruit passionate youth development leaders who seek to make a positive, lasting impression on youth.
170+ Years of Service
As an organization with over 170 years of experience, the Marin YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, has been a trusted supporter of youth for decades. Daily, we serve thousands of youth across the San Francisco Bay Area through out-of-school programs, youth sports, summer camps, aquatics, and so much more.
High Quality Programs
Our ELO-P Afterschool Program meets California Education Quality Standards and aligns with the CA ELO-P Program Plan. We work with local school districts to ensure a smooth transition from the school day to the afterschool setting.
Program FAQs
View a PDF version of our frequently asked questions in English and Spanish here:
GENERAL
TK-K (Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten) Gap Care is afterschool care for TK/K students who are dismissed earlier than the 1st-5th grades. Gap Care runs from TK-K Dismissal until the 1st-5th-grade students are dismissed.
This after-school program is for families who need care until the 1st-5th-grade students are dismissed. TK/K students needing later care should register for the “TK-K After School” option.
Gap Care does not include early release Wednesdays or Minimum/Super Minimum Days, unless there is a true gap between TK/K dismissal and 1st-5th dismissal.
TK/K Gap Care operates from your TK/K student’s dismissal until the 1st through 5th graders are dismissed.
TK/K After School Care operates from your student’s dismissal until 6:00 pm. This is for families who need later care.
If your student is enrolled in TK/K, you can register for the option that best suits your family’s needs, which includes TK/K Gap Care, TK/K Afterschool Care 5 days a week, TK/K Afterschool Care 3 days a week, and TK/K Afterschool Care 2 days a week.
Please note TK/K Gap care does not include Wednesdays.
There is a $50 non-refundable registration fee due at the time of registration (families who receive a 3rd-party subsidy or qualify for ELOP do not pay the registration fee).
Families who receive a 3rd-party subsidy (e.g., Marin Childcare Council) need to contact their caseworker to obtain an updated childcare certificate. 3rd party subsidy families, please contact [email protected] to support with registration.
ELO-P stands for Expanded Learning Opportunity – Program. It is a California initiative to support students entering Transitional Kindergarten through 6th grade with educational enrichment through programs such as before- and after-school programs and summer camp.
During the school year, please contact the Site Coordinator, Sylvie Knepler, at [email protected] or (415) 610-1096 with a detailed message, and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
Program Staff is not on-site during summer programming (June 15-August 14).
Please email Site Coordinator, Sylvie Knepler, at [email protected] and include the Program Director, Ryan Wolf, at [email protected].
PROGRAM & DAILY SCHEDULE
Please refer to your site’s webpage for a detailed daily schedule.
Students receive up to 1 hour of homework and literacy support daily, including up to 30 minutes of a structured academic activity.
Our program is guided by youth voice and choice. Students are regularly surveyed about their interests, and staff plan enrichment activities using vetted curriculum such as art, math, science, STEAM, and outdoor recreation.
Our program is guided by youth voice and choice. Students are regularly surveyed about their interests, and staff plan enrichment activities using vetted curriculum such as art, math, science, STEAM, and outdoor recreation.
Students may be combined briefly during check-in, snack, and transitions, but are separated into age-appropriate groups for most of the program.
Yes. Older students are given opportunities to build leadership skills by assisting with activities, modeling positive behavior, and supporting younger peers.
STAFFING & SUPERVISION
TK/Kindergarten: 1:10
1st–5th Grade: 1:20
6th-8th Grade: 1:20
Yes. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified.
Staff receive ongoing training in behavior management, including positive behavior support, de-escalation strategies, and youth development practices.
BEHAVIOR & DISCIPLINE
Behavior Support Process
When a behavioral incident occurs, YMCA staff may take the following steps to support the child and maintain a safe program environment:
Staff Guidance
Staff will talk with the child to understand the situation and provide guidance on appropriate behavior.
Redirection or Cooling-Off Period
Staff may provide redirection, de-escalation strategies, or a brief cooling-off period. A child may be temporarily removed from an activity to help them regulate before returning safely.
Parent/Guardian Notification
Parents or guardians may be notified the same day if behaviors significantly disrupt the program or pose a safety risk.
Parent/Guardian Pickup & Meeting
When additional support is needed, staff may request a timely pickup and schedule a meeting with the parent/guardian to discuss strategies for success.
Behavior Support Plan or Agreement
Program staff may collaborate with the family and appropriate YMCA support teams to develop a behavior support plan or agreement that helps the participant succeed in the program.
Program Suspension
Temporary suspension may occur when behaviors continue to disrupt the program or pose safety concerns.
Program Expulsion
Expulsion may occur if safety risks persist or if program expectations cannot be met despite intervention efforts.
SNACKS & MEALS
A light afternoon snack is provided. Families are encouraged to send additional snacks if needed.
Yes. All snacks must be peanut- and nut-free.
Allergy information is posted near food areas and included in emergency binders. Staff work closely with families regarding medications and care plans. A medication authorization form is required for any medication administered during program hours.
PICK-UP & ATTENDANCE
A light afternoon snack is provided. Families are encouraged to send additional snacks if needed.
Yes. Authorized pick-ups must be communicated to the Site Coordinator in advance. All individuals must present a valid photo ID.
All individuals picking up a child must show a photo ID.
Please notify your Site Coordinator by phone and email before the start of the program if your child will be absent.
Students age 10 and older may walk or bike home with a completed permission form.
An older child may not pick up a child under 10 unless a completed permission form specifically authorizes the sibling as the escort.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Staff provide first aid as needed. Families are contacted for head injuries or serious incidents, and an “Ouch” report is sent home.
Staff conducts monthly emergency drills. Families are notified via phone or email in the event of an emergency.
Yes. Each site maintains a comprehensive emergency action plan.
Medications are stored in a secure, locked container with proper labeling and documentation.
FEES & ENROLLMENT
For before- or after-school fees (including Gap Care), please click on the register button(s) to view program registration fees. Additionally, if you are a past program participant, you can log in through the Community Portal (https://community.ymcasf.org/) to view program pricing.
Yes. Please email [email protected] for a financial aid application.
All schedule changes or cancellations must be submitted in writing by the 20th of the month to take effect the following month.
Yes, camps are offered during school breaks. More information is released throughout the school year, including registration details.
Program updates are shared by your Site Coordinator or Program Director.
No, drop-in care is not available.
No. We offer 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day schedules.
Tuition is processed on the 1st of each month (or the first business day). Payments are divided into 10 equal installments from August through May. School breaks are not prorated.
Program Questions?
Contact Sylvie Knepler, Site Coordinator, at [email protected] or at (415) 610-1096 for any program-related questions.
Need help with your account?
Contact Member Services at [email protected]. Please include your area of interest and your current Y branch (if applicable) in the subject line of your email. Or call (415) 772-5500, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
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