South Mountain YMCA

Programs are held at South Orange/Maplewood schools and Y facilities (see the FAQs for the full list). Before care is offered from 7:15- school opening, After Care from school dismissal - 6:30pm

• Dedicated homework time with staff support.
• STEAM, Arts & Enrichment, Character Development and Global Learning opportunities through the SCALED Learning curriculum.
• Outdoor recreational and physical fitness activities to encourage movement and fun.
• Dedicated, enthusiastic, and engaged staff
• Healthy snack provided
• Programs for Parents childcare subsidy accepted
• Continued care when schools are closed through our Vacation Camp at the St. Joe’s Program Center (additional registration/fee applies).

When can I register for the 2026-27 program?

Current students and siblings have priority to register from April 27–May 3. Y members can register from May 4–10. Community registration opens May 11.

How do I register?

All registrations for School Age Child Care programs are completed online through the Metro Y of the Oranges Pulse (SGA) registration system.

• New to the Y – Create an account in Pulse
• Families already participating in Y programs - log into your Pulse account
• Select the appropriate YMCA branch and SACC program
• Choose your child’s schedule and complete required registration steps
• Submit payment for the registration fee to secure enrollment

Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. All families will be required to complete waivers and health history information before starting the programs as required for our State of NJ Child Care licensing.

How do I register a kindergarten child?

Our registration date comes before the SOMASD district announces kindergarten placements. We reserve space in all Before and After Care programs for incoming kindergarteners.

Please note:

• If your child/ren are incoming kindergarteners, you must register in the “SM KINDERS” holding group.
• Once SM Kinders is at capacity, please add your child(ren) to the waiting list for SM KINDERS only.
• After the school district has given a school location for your child/ren, we will send out a survey and register children at sites based on the time stamp from when you registered for SM KINDERS.
• Even if you have a sibling currently in our program please register for SM KINDERS and not the school that the sibling is in.

What sites are available?

● Clinton

● Bolden

● Marshall

● Seth Boyden

● South Mountain Annex* (no Before Care)

● South Mountain Elementary

● Tuscan

● Montrose Pre-School

We offer two off-site programs to help meet child care needs. Participants are bussed from their schools to the following sites:

● Program Center, 13 Jefferson Ave. Schools we bus from: Annex, South Mountain, Marshall

● St. Joseph Church, 240 Franklin Ave. Schools we bus from: Clinton, Tuscan, Bolden, & Seth Boyden

What happens if my child’s school SACC site is full?

Once a site reaches its licensed capacity, we start a waitlist. You can add your child(ren) to the waitlist via Pulse or by contacting our Remote Welcome Center at 973-758-9039. If a spot becomes available, you will receive a phone call and/or email from our office. The off-site programs are another option to consider, depending on your child’s school.

Do I have to choose my days in advance?

Yes. At registration, you select the days of the week your child will attend.

Please note: Days cannot be swapped. Missed days due to absences or school closures cannot be made up.

Can I change my scheduled days?

Yes. All schedule changes (adding or removing days or withdrawing) must be submitted using the Schedule Change Form. A $35 administrative fee applies per child, per request.

What are the program hours?

Before Care runs from 7:15 to 8:25 am and After Care runs from school dismissal until 6:00pm.

Will I be charged during school breaks and holidays?

Yes. Tuition is billed weekly as part of an annualized rate and is not adjusted for school closings, holidays, vacations, snow days, or absences. Early dismissal days are included.

I receive a state childcare subsidy. Can I enroll for fewer than five days?

No. Families receiving a subsidy must enroll for five days per week and pay the $50 registration fee per child at registration.

Will financial aid be reduced if I enroll for fewer than five days?

No. Financial aid is applied as a percentage of tuition, so the same percentage applies to the lower rate.

What is Drop-In Care?

Drop-In Care is a flexible option available to both enrolled and non-enrolled families to sign up for before and after care as needed. It is available starting October 1, if space permits.

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am not currently enrolled?

Register through SGA Pulse for your branch’s Drop-In Care option and pay the $50 registration fee.

Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance for each requested day.

How do I use Drop-In Care if I am already enrolled?

Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance. Approval is based on availability, and confirmation is sent by email.

Can I use Drop-In Care on a half day if I’m not scheduled that day?

Yes, if space permits. Submit the Schedule Change Form at least 48 business hours in advance.