Registration is now open for the Y’s 2025-26 afterschool programs in Buncombe and McDowell!
Reserve your child’s spot in the Y’s enriching afterschool programs and rest easy knowing they have a safe, nurturing place to study and have fun. Financial assistance is available.
Safe Environment
Peace of Mind
Skilled Staff
Safe, affordable childcare for all
The Y has childcare options to support families all year long, with four different options for each location.
What you need to know
- We serve school-age students in Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools, and McDowell County Schools.
- Afterschool programs are closed the week before school starts, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, and the week after school ends.
- Vouchered participants are required to register for the year-round program. See voucher details below.
- The part-time program is offered three days a week. Program includes half-days, and early releases. Schools' Out Days can be registered separately for a cost of $40 per day. Winter break and spring break require separate registration. Financial assistance and vouchers are not available for the part-time program.
- Registration for the first week of school ends Aug. 15. Students who enroll in the program after that date will start later.
- Program begins when school lets out and runs until 6 p.m. School’s Out days are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- $35 registration fee per registrant will be charged at registration (this applies to vouchered students as well as those who receive financial scholarship). If DHHS caseworks have questions, please email [email protected].
- Registration is not complete until a form of payment has been entered, the $35 registration fee has been paid, and a green check mark appears.
- If a parent receives a discount (school employee, YMCA employee, vouchers), list them as parent No. 1 on the registration.
- We offer 5 types of afterschool programs: drop-in, part-time, full-time (41 weeks of care), year-round (50 weeks of care), and year-round with a Watia upgrade (50 weeks of care plus 1 week at YMCA of Camp Watia). Both year-round programs include a complimentary YMCA membership.
The Y is the nation’s leading childcare expert.
Your child will learn, grow, and thrive in our award-winning afterschool program.
Additional info
Need assistance? Email the YMCA Business Center or call 828-251-5910 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm).
We receive federal support to serve nutritious and free snacks at many of our afterschool care sites. Learn more.
Contact the Buncombe County Child Care Services Subsidy Unit or the McDowell County Child Care Services Subsidy Unit for voucher services. Subsidy is not available at all locations. Call us at 828-251-5910 to check which locations accept subsidy vouchers.
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Login to your account to make a payment for your child's care.
Asheville City Schools
- ACS students are served at YMCA Youth Services at Beaverdam in North Asheville
- Claxton (school provides bus)
- Francine Delaney (Y provides bus from Hall Fletcher)
- Hall Fletcher (Y provides bus)
- Ira B. Jones (Y provides bus)
- Isaac Dickson (school provides bus)
- Lucy S. Herring (Y provides bus)
Buncombe County Schools
Enka District:
- Sand Hill-Venable (on site)
- Hominy Valley (on site)
- Candler (transported to Pisgah)
- Pisgah (on site)
- Enka Intermediate: served with Horizons Program, ages 10-14
Erwin:
- Eblen Intermediate: served with Horizons Program, ages 10-14
- Emma (transported to Johnston)
- Johnston (on site)
- Leicester (transported to West Buncombe)
- West Buncombe (on site)
North Buncombe:
- North Buncombe (on site)
- Weaverville Elementary (on site)
- Weaverville Primary (transported to Weaverville Elementary)
Roberson:
- Avery’s Creek (on site)
- Estes (on site)
- Glen Arden (on site)
- Koontz (staff walks students to Estes)
Reynolds:
- Bell (on site)
- Fairview (on site)
- Haw Creek (on site)
- Oakley (on site)
Owen:
- Black Mountain Primary (on site)
- WD Williams (on site)
McDowell County Schools
(Corpening subsidy available to all McDowell County students)
- Eastfield Global Magnet School (transported to Marion)
- Glenwood Elementary
- Marion Elementary
- Nebo Elementary (transported to Marion)
- North Cove Elementary
- Old Fort
- Pleasant Gardens
- West Marion
Financial assistance is available. See the financial assistance information below for the sliding scale to estimate your rate based on household income.
Applicants must first apply for the subsidy/voucher program through the Buncombe or McDowell County Child Care Services Subsidy Unit, if applicable. Applicants must also be working a minimum of 30 hours per week or be a full-time student.
Childcare Financial Assistance Sliding Scale
Registration for Horizons Afterschool Program opens on April 7 at 7 a.m.
Schools Served: Eblen Intermediate, Enka Intermediate, Enka Middle (bused to Enka Intermediate)
Hours: 2:30-6 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.
Cost: Grant funded, no cost to parent/guardian
School's Out Days (Teacher Work Days, holidays, Winter Break, Spring Break, snow days) are not included. Parents can register for these days separately, at the cost of the School's Out Program. School's Out registration will be available this summer.
If you have any questions about your account or would like to discuss cancellation options, please feel free to reach out. Our team is here to assist with any concerns you may have. Simply email us at [email protected] and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Parents Time Out
Need some time to yourself? We'll take care of your child while you enjoy time to yourself for dates, groceries, personal time, it's up to you! Learn more here.