Safe Environment
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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, the day after Thanksgiving, 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, early releases, and School’s Out Days. Days attending beyond the 3 days in any given week will be charged the drop-in or School’s Out daily rates (whichever is appropriate to that situation).
- Registration for the first week of school ends August 14. 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 caseworkers have questions, please email [email protected].
- Registration is not complete until a valid debit or credit card has been entered (EFT/bank accounts are not accepted for childcare payments), 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
Asheville City Schools (ACS) students are served at YMCA Youth Services (YSC) at Beaverdam in North Asheville.
- Claxton Elementary (ACS bus)
- Hall Fletcher Elementary (YMCA bus)
- Ira B. Jones Elementary (YMCA bus)
- Isaac Dickson Elementary (ACS bus)
- Lucy Herring Elementary (ACS bus to Hall Fletcher, then YMCA bus to YSC)
Charter Schools
- Francine Delany (Francine Delany bus to Hall Fletcher, then YMCA bus to YSC)
- IC Imagine* (YMCA bus)
- Mountain City Public Montessori (Mountain City Public Montessori bus)
*If your child attends IC Imagine, you will need to register for the full-time afterschool option. The year-round program is not applicable to your school calendar.
Preschools
- Little Grove Preschool (family drops off)
- North Asheville Preschool (YMCA walks kids at 1 p.m.)
Buncombe County Schools (BCS)
- Schools served by district:
- Enka District: Sand Hill-Venable, Candler (bussed to Pisgah by BCS), Hominy Valley, Pisgah
- Erwin District: Emma (bussed to Johnston by YMCA), Johnston, Leicester (bussed to West Buncombe by BCS), West Buncombe
- North District: North Buncombe, Weaverville Elementary, Weaverville Primary (bussed to Weaverville Elementary by BCS), North Windy Ridge (bussed to Weaverville or North Buncombe by BCS)
- Owen District: Black Mountain Primary, Black Mountain Elementary (bussed to Black Mountain Primary by BCS), W.D. Williams
- Reynolds District: Charles Bell, Fairview, Haw Creek, Oakley
- Roberson District: Avery's Creek, Estes, Glen Arden, Koontz Intermediate (walked over to Estes)
If bussed by BCS, parents will need to request transportation through the school.
McDowell County Schools
- Schools served:
- Eastfield Global Magnet School (bussed to Marion)
- Glenwood Elementary
- Marion Elementary
- Nebo Elementary (bussed to Marion)
- North Cove Elementary (bussed to Pleasant Gardens)
- Old Fort Elementary
- Pleasant Gardens Elementary
- West Marion Elementary
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
Schools Served: Eblen Intermediate, Enka Intermediate, Enka Middle (bused to Enka Intermediate), East McDowell Middle, McDowell High School, and West McDowell Middle School
Dates: Sept. 15, 2025-May 29, 2026,.
Hours: 2:45-6 p.m. (Pick-up between 5-6 p.m.) Includes early release days.
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 Night 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.