Afterschool Childcare

Afterschool Childcare serves school-age students. The program begins when school lets out and runs until 6 p.m. It also offers School’s Out days from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with options that include full-time care, year-round care, part-time care, drop-in care, and middle school programs.

Programs

• Afterschool Childcare — School-age students · 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. · Safe, affordable childcare for all. Options listed include full-time, year-round, year-round with Watia upgrade, part-time, drop-in care, and middle school programs.
• Full-time Afterschool care — School-age students · 5 days per week and Schools' Out Days · 41 weeks of care.
• Year-round Afterschool care plus Summer Day Camp — School-age students · Year-round · 50 weeks of care. Includes complimentary YMCA membership.
• Year-round with Watia upgrade — School-age students · Year-round · Afterschool care, summer day camp, plus a week at overnight Camp Watia. 50 weeks of care. Includes complimentary YMCA membership.
• Part-time — School-age students · 3 days per week · School's Out Days are included within the 3 days of that week.
• Afterschool Drop-in Care — School-age students · Choose a day for your child(ren) to attend.
• Middle School Programs — Middle school · Afterschool programming · Middle School Afterschool programming in Buncombe and McDowell Counties.
• Horizons Afterschool Program — Students in 6-12th grade · Mon.-Fri. from 2:45-6 p.m. (Pick-up between 5-6 p.m.) · Grant funded, no cost to parent/guardian.
• School's Out Program — School-age students · Available for registration on July 1, 2026. The cost is $70 per day.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–15 years old
• Current session: Eblen Intermediate (Aug 31–May 21, 2027); Enka Intermediate (Sep 8–May 21, 2027); McDowell Horizons (Aug 31–May 21, 2027)
• General schedule: 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. Full-time care is 5 days per week and Schools' Out Days. Part-time is 3 days per week. Horizons Afterschool Program meets Mon.-Fri. from 2:45-6 p.m. (pick-up between 5-6 p.m.). McDowell Horizons meets from the time school lets out until 6:30 p.m.

About the provider

The YMCA of Western North Carolina says it has strengthened the foundations of the communities it serves since 1889. Its mission is healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The programs are run by trained, certified professionals, and the Y says it is the state’s largest provider of licensed school-age childcare. It also offers income-based rates, and donor support funds financial assistance based on need and available resources.

Last updated September 26, 2026.