YMCA Youth Programs & Resources

ALL KIDS HAVE POTENTIAL. That’s why we support their academic, physical and social emotional development from cradle to career with holistic programs that don’t just close the gap–they help kids realize who they are and all they can achieve.

Here, you can find a wealth of information tailored to preschoolers through high schoolers. There’s also a section dedicated to Special Needs. The values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success, so we work hard to help Youth reach their full potential.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS

BROWARD COUNTY

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

FL 21st Century
UW Miami

If you have any questions or need addition information on our Youth Programs and Resources, please contact one of our team members. We are happy to assist you.

MIDDLE SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL
INTRODUCTIONS

L.E.A.P HIGH PROGRAMS

Contact Info: L.E.A.P. HIGH TEAM

Lamonica Jackson, Program Director
954-334-9622, Ext. 1225
Dillard High School, Hallandale High School and Northeast High School

Michael Mapp, Program Director
954-334-9622, Ext. 1210
Blanche Ely High School, Deerfield Beach High School and McArthur High School

Nadia Prosper, Program Director
754-551-7159
Boyd Anderson High School, Piper High School and Plantation High School

Kerith Cobourne, Associate Executive Director
954-334-9622, Ext. 1222
High School Initiatives

YOUTH F.O.R.C.E. PROGRAMS

Contact Info: YOUTH F.O.R.C.E. TEAM

Moy Chin-Sinn, Senior Program Director
954-298-8758

Natasha Howard, Lead Case Manager
954-952-0069

Charlotte Cross, Case Manager
954-594-0038

Chantelle Currin, Case Manager
954-999-2070

Keron Shand, Case Manager
954-766-5668

Featured Programs

LEAP HIGH

The Y offers LEAP HIGH (Leadership, Enrichment and Academy Pursuits) programs. Through our partnerships with the School Board of Broward County and The Children’s Services Council, LEAP HIGH programs offer students the extended learning environment that reinforces and enhances the lessons taught during the regular school day through Project-based Learning.

YOUTH FORCE

Youth FORCE (Friendships, Opportunities, Resources, Counseling And Education) is a specialized middle school program in Broward County that targets youth who need additional support and who have met proven risk factors known to increase the likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors. FORCE offers traditional middle school club and cultural arts activities, but is unique in that all families are connected to a case manager who provides assistance and additional resources.

PRESCHOOL/ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
INTRODUCTIONS

MIAMI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
21ST CCLC AND CHILDREN’S TRUST

Contact Info: MIAMI - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEAM

Keyla Castillo, Senior Program Director
305-357-4000, Ext. 2201
The Children’s Trust Programs

Eyleen Perez, Program Director
305-357-4000, Ext. 1126
21st Century Community Learning Centers

Yosselin Cordero, Program Director
305-357-4000, Ext. 1118
21st Century Community Learning Centers

Erica Byrd, Program Director
305-357-4000, Ext. 1118
21st Century Community Learning Centers

John Ortega, Associate Executive Director
954-334-9622, Ext. 1124
Grant Programs

Ayxis Averhoff, Associate Executive Director
305-357-4000, Ext. 1130
Fee-based Programs

GENERAL POPULATION M.O.S.T. PROGRAMS

Contact Info: GP M.O.S.T. TEAM

Kaytrina Allen, Associate Executive Director
954-232-7514

Evan Arnett, Senior Program Director
954-892-8746

Marques Brown, Senior Program Director
954-625-0516

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Y has evolved to accommodate the growing number of working families, regardless of economic status, and has embraced the philosophy that everyone benefits when youth of all cultural backgrounds and abilities work together.

The Y Experience takes programming above and beyond the quality standard using evidenced-based components:

  • Project Based Learning /STEAM
  • Y-Fit using SPARK curriculum
  • Social Skills using various curriculum
  • Literacy Activities
  • Family Involvement Initiatives
  • Academic enrichment through homework help and technology

We make every attempt to work alongside and collaborate with the schools. 

CELEBRITY READERS

EIGHT SILLY MONKEYS

ONLINE RESOURCES
SPECIAL NEEDS
INTRODUCTION

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS

Contact Info: SPECIAL NEEDS TEAM

Susan Feldman, Associate Executive Director
954-608-2366

Nunderia Adderley, MOST Senior Program Director
786-247-6675

Teresa Spitler, MOST Senior Program Director
954-655-9623

Jean Kneely, MOST Senior Program Director
954-826-0800

Shaymonica Jones, STEP Program Director
954-701-9955

INCLUSION PROGRAMS

The YMCA has been the leader serving those with disabilities, special needs, and developmental challenges. The goal of inclusion is to increase each child’s ability to take part in activities with their peers and to create a mutual sense of belonging. The Y currently offers:

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS

The Special Needs MOST (Maximizing Out of School Time) program is designed for children, teens and adults beginning at age 4 through 22 with a wide range of special needs, including physical, developmental, sensory and learning disabilities.

HIGH SCHOOLS

The Y STEP (Supported Training Employment Program) is designed to help teens and young adults with special needs ages 16-22 transition to independence. During the school year, Y STEP students identify and explore post-secondary career and educational interests to develop the skills needed to become successful adults.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Mindfulness App: Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind is a FREE mindfulness meditation app developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to your life.

DOWNLOAD:
App Store
Google Play

ONLINE FITNESS, NUTRITION & MORE

Time away from the Y is still an important time for kids and families. Check out these resources to help keep your children and family connected and engaged all year long.

Les Mills For Kids

BORN TO MOVE | Free
15 Episodes

When it comes to learning a whole lot of cool moves from dance, martial arts and yoga this class is the way to go. Each 20 or 40-minute class is jam-packed with cool music and foundation fitness moves and fun games. This is sure to leave the kids (and parents) feeling great!

Free Stories for Kids

For as long as schools are closed, we’re open. Starting today, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.

All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
Explore the collection, select a title and start listening. It’s that easy.

https://stories.audible.com/start-listen free stories for kids

Florida Electronic Library

Broward County Division of Libraries
 eBooks
Access eBooks on the Gale Virtual Reference Library and SAGE platforms.
Sage eBooks
Access to the premier social sciences platform for SAGE and CQ Press book and reference content.

Scholastic Classroom Magazines

Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing.
Welcome!

Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin!

-The Editors of Scholastic Classroom Magazines.

NASA Kids' Club

Hello, Earth Kids!
My name is Nebula. Welcome to NASA Kids’ Club – a place to play games and learn about NASA!
Info for Parents, Teachers and Caregivers

ChooseMyPlate

MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future.

FUNBRAIN

Funbrain offers hundreds of games, books, comics and videos that develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving and literacy.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions or need addition information on our Youth Programs and Resources, please contact one of our team members. We are happy to assist you.

L.E.A.P. HIGH TEAM

Lamonica Jackson, Program Director
954-334-9622, Ext. 1225
Dillard High School, Hallandale High School and Northeast High School

Michael Mapp, Program Director
954-334-9622, Ext. 1210
Blanche Ely High School, Deerfield Beach High School and McArthur High School

Nadia Prosper, Program Director
754-551-7159
Boyd Anderson High School, Piper High School and Plantation High School

Kerith Cobourne, Associate Executive Director
954-334-9622, Ext. 1222
High School Initiatives

YOUTH F.O.R.C.E. TEAM

Moy Chin-Sinn, Senior Program Director
954-298-8758

Natasha Howard, Lead Case Manager
954-952-0069

Charlotte Cross, Case Manager
954-594-0038

Chantelle Currin, Case Manager
954-999-2070

Keron Shand, Case Manager
954-766-5668

MIAMI - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEAM

Angelica Sweeting, Grant Compliance Manager
305-357-4000, Ext. 2321
The Children’s Trust Programs

Erica Byrd, Program Director
305-357-4000, Ext. 1118
21st Century Community Learning Centers

John Ortega, Associate Executive Director
954-334-9622, Ext. 1124
Grant Programs

Ayxis Averhoff, Associate Executive Director
305-357-4000
Fee-based Programs

GP M.O.S.T. TEAM

Kaytrina Allen, Associate Executive Director
954-232-7514

Evan Arnett, Senior Program Director
954-892-8746

Marques Brown, Senior Program Director
954-625-0516

SPECIAL NEEDS TEAM

Susan Feldman, Associate Executive Director
954-608-2366

Nunderia Adderley, MOST Senior Program Director
786-247-6675

Teresa Spitler, MOST Senior Program Director
954-655-9623

Jean Kneely, MOST Senior Program Director
954-826-0800

Shaymonica Jones, STEP Program Director
954-701-9955