As of Monday 3 November 2014 YMCA Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) will partner with Warrigal Road State School to provide Before, After and Vacation Care services to the school and local community. This will be the 26th service operated by the YMCA as a direct result of being identified as the preferred provider.

YMCA OSHC services offer a wide range of fun, stimulating and age appropriate programs that reflect real world experiences and home settings. This helps encourage a sense of community amongst the children, facilitates leadership skills development and allows children to practice social skills in a safe and supported caring environment.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Warrigal Road State School and look forward to building a close relationship with families, children and the local school community.” stated Area Coordinator Natasja Lindgren.

The YMCAs approach to Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) is to provide a high quality environment that is safe, fun and gives children the opportunity to learn and play. Before School Care, After School Care and Vacation Care programs and activities are aligned with the YMCA mission – to build Strong People, Strong Families and Strong Communities.

YMCA OSHC Manager Kristy Commens said “The school community has been really welcoming and I know they are looking forward to us opening on Monday 3 November 2014. Apart from Before and After School Care, we also have a fantastic Vacation Care program planned which I know the children will thoroughly enjoy.”

The provision of Outside School Hours Care has been a core component of the YMCA since 1992. Profits from YMCA OSHC services help fund the benevolent arm of the organisation, Y-Care (South East Queensland) Inc. Y-Care provides facilities and programs for marginalised and disadvantaged young people in need of help as well as providing affordable accommodation for people who have been without a home.