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BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CHILDCARE
KIDS' KORNER PROGRAM K-5
A FUN WAY TO BEGIN & END THE DAY!
Kids’ Korner is a place for children to explore new interests, meet new friends, complete homework, participate in an enrichment club, run, play, and have some fun!
Our twelve state-licensed programs are conveniently located in Middletown Public Elementary Schools, Gildersleeve in Portland (also serving Valley View and Brownstone), Edna C. Stevens School and Woodside Intermediate School in Cromwell & Brewster Elementary School serving Durham/Middlefield.
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QUICK LINKS:
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
For more than 30 years, YMCA Kids' Korner has been working in partnership with parents and local school systems to assure that children are safe and are having fun in a supervised, enriching program before and after school hours.
Kids' Korner is much more than just a great child care program. It's a wonderful way to extend the school day by exploring new interests, enjoying healthy recreational pursuits, engaging in enrichment activities and benefiting from academic support. And all the while, kids are making friends and having fun under the supervision of well-trained youth development professionals
ABUSE PREVENTION
A principal endeavor of the Middlesex Y is to provide an atmosphere for the growth and development of youth and children. Thus, the mistreatment or neglect of youth or children and the resulting severe effects are of primary concern to the Y. Child abuse is mistreatment or neglect of a child by parent(s) or others resulting in injury or harm. Abuse can lead to severe emotional, physical and behavioral problems. Because of its concern for the welfare of children and youth, the Y has developed policies, standards, guidelines and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse.
1. All employees are screened and background checks are conducted upon hiring or rehiring. Additionally, employees who have contact with children and youth receive training in recognizing, reporting and preventing child abuse, which includes training in recognizing signs that a child is being groomed for abuse.
2. Before employment, all staff must complete Praesidium's Armatus Child Abuse Prevention Training. These online modules of training include "Duty to Report, Mandated Reporter", "Keeping Your Y Safe", "Preventing Sexual Activity Between Young Children", "Meet Sam", and "It Happened to Me".
3. All employees are required to sign and abide by our Codes of Conduct, Work Rules, Childcare Code of Conduct, and our YMCA Policy Preventing the Abuse and Mistreatment of Youth. Please click each link below to see these documents.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING
ACTIVE PLAY &
FREE CHOICE
There are a variety of group games, free play time, and special sports clubs that keep children physically active. Activity centers such as games, drama, art, blocks, reading, and music promote small group and individual play during downtime.
ENRICHMENT CLUBS
During the school year there are a wide variety of club choices such as cooking, science, fitness, art, sports, and drama and many more. Club topics are determined based on the results of interest inventories completed by children in the fall and winter months.
MONTHLY THEMES
Each month children have an opportunity to explore a different fun learning theme. Programs plan a wide variety of activities including active games, arts and crafts, special clubs and events that link with the theme of the month.
MULTICULTURAL THEMES
Each month children learn about a different culture through group discussion, literacy, cooking, art, games and special events with special focus on the cultural traditions of our YMCA families.
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
Kids’ Korner participants give back in many ways to the community. Service projects such as food drives, penny wars, clothing drives, art from the heart, and mathathons are just some of the projects completed by Kids' Korner programs.
CONTACT US
Ben Carlson He/Him
School Age Care & Teen Programs Director
I have been in the youth development field for over 12 years, starting my career in Manchester, Connecticut. I have worked in school age programs, summer camp, and many more youth programs. Throughout my career, I have been involved in youth sports coaching, teen programs, and professional development training and am very happy to have landed in the Middlesex Community!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time golfing and staying active as an athlete. I participate in sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball – helping me stay very active and engaged with the students we work with!
Amalia Cardella She/Her
School Age Care Asst. Director
I have over 10 years of experience in childcare and youth development across Middletown, CT and South Florida. I've worked as a Kids Korner Site Director, camp director, camp counselor, nanny, and classroom aide. I graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a degree in Arts and Humanities and am currently working toward my teaching license in secondary English Language Arts.
As a future educator, I'm passionate about encouraging students to push their thinking and creativity so they can reach their full potential.
Outside of work, I'm an avid reader and amateur chef. I also love to travel!
David Lyon He/Him
Childcare Financial Manager
I joined the YMCA and the childcare field in October. Prior to this, I worked in a number of financial positions in both the public and private sector. I graduated from UConn with a Bachelor's in Economics and Philosophy and soon after received a Master's degree in Philosophy from NYU.
I'm a big proponent of weightlifting and fitness in general. If you use our fitness center (which I hope you do), chances are you'll see me there sometime after work. I also play a range of instruments, currently working on the drums.
Chrissy Fontana She/Her
Brewster Site Director
Durham/Middlefield
I have been working in childcare for over 8 years now. I have loved working with children and being around them ever since I was a teenager and knew it was going to be my passion. I have had extensive experience with young children of all different ages—from nannying for many different families, volunteering at camps, and working in daycares, to being an assistant teacher and head teacher in classrooms and now serving as a Site Director.
Working with young children brings so much joy to my life, and I am passionate about having a positive influence on their early stages of life and providing them with a safe and nurturing environment each and every day where they feel loved and supported. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends (going out to eat, shopping, watching movies, visiting arcades, etc.), and I also enjoy watching and playing basketball!
Lisa Fritz She/Her
Snow Site Director
Middletown
I have been in all realms of the childcare/youth development field for over 23 years. I started as a parent volunteer in my son's preschool and worked my way up to the Director position in that same preschool, which grew into a full-time childcare center. I now enjoy working as a Site Director with school-age children. I like making a positive impact during their formative years and find the experience both rewarding and inspiring.
Outside of work, I am a very proud mother of 2 adult sons. I grew up with sports being a large presence in my life and was fortunate my sons chose the same path, where I could enjoy watching them play. I enjoy spending time with family, baking, and am an avid animal lover!
Olivia Fickett She/Her
Lawrence Site Director
Middletown
Hi! My name is Liv Fickett, and I am the Site Director at Lawrence Elementary School. I have been working with the Middlesex YMCA for 9 years, and I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a degree in math. I have been involved with many of the programs within the YMCA, including Kids Korner, the preschool, and even Camp Ingersoll.
When I am not at Kids Korner, I enjoy playing with my cat, sitting by the pool, and listening to music while I paint. One fun fact about me is that I am a quadruplet, and my sibling Michelle is the Site Director at Farm Hill.
Nelly Rosales They/Them
Bielefield Site Director
Middletown
Janelle (Nelly) Rosales - I like to say that I have a lifetime of childcare experience, as I am the oldest of 8 children! I have previously volunteered with the YMCA and have experience in childcare, education, program coordination, youth services, and community outreach. As a Kids Korner Site Director, I look forward to building community and providing a safe and fun environment for students to challenge themselves and flourish. I am very happy to share my skills and do my part in preparing our youth for their bright futures!
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" is a motto I carry with me in my everyday life. Other things in my everyday life include my three dogs (Caballero, Milo, and Princess), theatre and the arts, singing and music, and quality time with my family. I also enjoy beginning crochet projects and other crafts (but not necessarily finishing them, haha!).
Giulie Cacace She/Her
WIS Site Director
Cromwell
I have been in childcare since I was 16, and I have been working at Woodside Kids Korner since 2022. I spend my free time reading and drawing, and I love to share my knowledge of history with the kids! I graduated from CCSU with a Bachelor's degree in History and am working towards getting certified to be a teacher!
Tati Delgado She/Her
ECS Site Director
Cromwell
I have been working in childcare for about 6 years, starting in New Britain, CT. I have worked mostly in infant/toddler care in the past and began working with school-age children at Kids Korner about 3 years ago.
In my free time, I work towards finding more creative mediums to foster my love for theatre and music. Creativity is vital to my own life, and I strive to help my students cultivate their own creativity, even in the case of mistakes.
Ray Lavoy He/Him
Gildersleeve Site Director
Portland
Hi, I'm Ray, the Site Director for Kids Korner at Gildersleeve School. I've worked for the YMCA for going on 11 years now in multiple capacities involving youth development and care. I grew up playing soccer, tennis, frisbee, and baseball, and I love science.
Kaden Powers He/Him
Moody Site Director
Middletown
Hi everyone! My name is Kaden Powers, and I'm the Moody Site Director this year! I graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2024 with a BA in Elementary Education, and also work as the CIT Director at YMCA Camp Ingersoll in the summer! In my free time, I love to read, play basketball, and build Lego!
Domani Ferris He/Him
Spencer Site Director
Middletown
I've been working for the Y at Kids Korner for over 2 years, originally starting out in Cromwell and Portland, then working my way up to Site Director here at Spencer. When I am not working, I like to spend my time outside going for hikes, and as the Spencer students know, I am a big superhero fan!
Michelle Fickett They/Them
Farm Hill Site Director
Middletown
I have worked with the Middlesex YMCA for 10 years now, starting and still working at Camp Ingersoll and now at Kids Korner. I was the Site Director for Gildersleeve last year before moving to Farm Hill here in Middletown! I went to school in Florida, where I earned a degree in Communications.
Outside of work, I am passionate about many sports, especially soccer, which I coach in my free time.
Derrick Barber He/Him
Macdonough Site Director
Middletown
I grew up in Manchester, Connecticut, where I played both basketball and baseball, developing a lifelong passion for sports and competition. I am the Founder and Program Director of the Vision Elite War Ready AAU program, where I oversee youth basketball development and program operations.
In addition to overseeing youth programs, I also coach basketball and baseball with the goal of helping youth grow through discipline, teamwork, and consistent skill development. Outside of coaching, I enjoy fitness and staying active through all sports. I am dedicated to the mission of youth development and character development.
What are your Hours of Operation?
Before School care begins at 7:00am and ends with morning dismissal to school.
After School care begins at school dismissal and ends at 6:00pm.
Half Days - After care begins when school dismisses. There is an additional fee for half days
Please click here to see our Vacation Day Offerings
(Kids Korner follows the Middletown public school calendar for all days off, early dismissals, and closings)
When are payments due?
Payments are due every two weeks on Monday. Families are required to have a card on file for automatic billing.
How do I make registration changes or cancel my registration?
All registration changes or cancellation requests must be submitted in writing with 2 weeks notice. Parents/guardians should email the Kids Korner Finance Office at dlyon@midymca.org.
What childcare options are there for school days off and vacations.
Please click here to see our Vacation Day Offerings.
Tax ID number for claiming childcare as a tax dedication
06-0646981
Registration:
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Registration can be completed online.
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We offer any combination of before and after school care.
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Families who wish to register for part time before and after school care must register separately.
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$25 registration fee nonredunfable
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Copy of your childs most recent physical along with a medication authorization form and the medication id applicable will be required prior to starting.
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Registration for the new school year typically opens in May.
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Registration changes or cancellations must be submitted in writing with a 2 week notice to the Childcare Financial Manager, David at Dlyon@midymca.org
FEES & REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR IS NOW OPEN!
Please choose a location below and click on the appropriate REGISTER NOW button. You will be directed to the sign up page where you can register for before and after school childcare for the 2025-26 school year. Prices vary based on the care package selected.
DISCOUNTS
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Sibling Discounts are available at 10% per week for each child after the eldest sibling. This is applied manually by administration after registration is complete.
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Part Time (1-4 Day ) AM & PM - 25%: This is applied manually by administration after registration is complete.
REGISTRATION FEE:
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$25 Fee for all registrations
YMCA Membership is required with the option to select $12 per month for a family program membership or $7 per month per child to have an individual program membership. Fees charged on the first of the month.
Complimentary Program Membership offered if enrolled in all 5 days for AM and PM care.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Y is able to offer assistance to families who earn under $100,000 a year.
BI-WEEKLY PACKAGE - AM
BI-WEEKLY PACKAGE - PM
BI-WEEKLY PACKAGE - 5 DAYS AM & PM
FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE
The YMCA offers Open Doors Financial Assistance for summer camp to families whose household income is less than $80,000 per year and for before and afterschool childcare to families whose household income is less than $100,000.
Once your application is approved, a sliding fee scale will be provided to the weekly cost and deposit.
The YMCA accepts Care4Kids Certificates. Families must apply for Open Doors Assistance and pay according to our scale. For more information about Care4Kids or Open Doors please contact Rachel Johnson at 860.343.6245.
OPEN DOORS
The Middlesex YMCA is a non-profit health and human services organization that offers high-quality programs, services, and facilities that are made accessible to individuals and families, of all income levels through our Open Doors membership. Through the use of a sliding fee scale, any person who wants to participate in YMCA programs can do so.
Please complete the Open Doors Application thoroughly, and attach the required income documentation. Once approved, your subsidy level will remain the same for 1 year, after which time, updated documentation must be provided. If currently unemployed, initial approval will be for a period of three months, after which time, updated documentation of your employment status must be provided.
In order to assure that the program is administered in a consistent manner and that funds can be fairly distributed, the following documentation must accompany the Open Doors application.
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Copy of last years tax return 1040A
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Copy of your last two pay stubs
OR
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Copy of social security or disability checks or bank statement
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Copy of budget sheet for State assistance
Your W-2 form is NOT an acceptable form of documentation.
If you don't have a copy of your most recent tax return, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a copy. If you did not file taxes last year, or if you don't have the alternative documents noted above, you must submit a detailed letter that explains the reasons why, and that specifies your current life situation that makes financial assistance necessary.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY & SNOW DAY PROGRAM
DELAYED OPENING
BREWSTER:
Open at 9am
CROMWELL:
Open at 9am
MIDDLETOWN:
Open at 9am
PORTLAND:
Open at 9am
Only children registered for the AM program will be accepted for school delays.
EARLY CLOSINGS
CROMWELL: Sites will open when school closes and will remain open until 4:00pm.
MIDDLETOWN: Sites will open when school closes and will remain open until 4:00pm.
GILDERSLEEVE: Site will open when school closes and will remain open until 3:00pm.
Only children registered for the PM program will be accepted for early closings.
SCHOOL CANCELLATION
A snow day program at the YMCA is available to those that have pre-registered.
Registrations WILL NOT be accepted on the day of the program. The hours of the Snow Day Program are 9:00 am - 5:30 pm, but delayed openings are possible. If the YMCA is not able to safely open by 9:00am, the program will most likely be closed for the day. Parents are encouraged to have alternate arrangements for Snow Days.
YMCA DELAYS & CLOSINGS
If school is cancelled, please call 860-347-6907 to confirm that the YMCA is open.
If the YMCA is closed, the program will be cancelled. The Program Director will email all families to inform them if the Snow Day Program is closed for the day.
We will post updates on our Kids' Korner Facebook page as soon as information becomes available for parents.
SUMMER ENRICHMENT CAMP AT THE YMCA
DISCOVER A SUMMER OF FUN!
LEARN. PLAY.GROW.
CHILDREN ENTERING 1ST - 6TH GRADE
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Camp is open 8AM-6PM.
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Before Care is available from 7:00-8:00 AM for an additional $30 per week.
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2025 Registration Fees: $235 per week and $215 per week for siblings in the program.
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Financial aid is also available for YMCA members receiving Open Doors Assistance. Care for Kids accepted.
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Registration is for one week session.
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Licensed by the State of Connecticut.
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Small Group Staff to Camper Ratio.
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Summer Enrichment Camp follows all health and safety guidelines recommended by the CDC and the Office of Early Childhood.
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Caring and experienced YMCA directors and youth development professionals plan and facilitate weekly theme-based curriculum. Field Trips/Presentations are offered each week that relate to the weekly themes. Weekly themes immerse campers in activities that encourage creativity, critical thinking and hands-on exploration.
VACATION DAY
PROGRAMS
VACATION DAY PROGRAMS
The Middlesex Y will offer vacation day programs for the following days during the 2025 -2026 school year:
Licensed Vacation Programs
All children who attend must have a Youth Camp Health Form on file that has been completed within the past three years. Children cannot be accepted into the program without a valid health form on or before the date they arrive at the program.
Please click here for the Youth Camp Health Form
YMCA Vacation Day Programs are recreational programs open to members and non-members in grades K-6th. Pick up and drop off is located at the YMCA in the Youth Center. Program hours are 7:00am - 6:00pm
Full payment is due upon registration.
****Please note Vacation programs are non-refundable.****
Cost
$60.00 per day for members
$65.00 per day for non-members
Financial Aid is available for YMCA members receiving Open Doors Assistance. For more information regarding Financial Aid, please contact David Lyon at (860) 343-6245
If you already receive our Open Doors financial Assistance, please reach out to David at dlyon@midymca.org
860-343-6245 for assistance with registration to apply your discount.
***Any families receiving Open Doors financial assistance who do not follow the above procedure WILL NOT RECEIVE THEIR OPEN DOORS funding for this program and will be required to pay the full price.***
If you receive Open Doors Assistance, please click the link below for daily and weekly vacation program fees. YMCA Vacation Day Programs Open Doors