YMCA Garland - After School Care (Richardson, Happy: daycare, neighborhoods, preschool)

[NikMom]

Hi all,

I searched the previous threads and found some GREAT information about DFW neighborhoods and Garland/Richardson comparisons.

I am considering relocating to the Garland/Richardson area. I am curious about the after-school care options for elementary aged children at the Garland YMCA. Does anyone have experience with them? How was it?

Are there other options for safe and engaging after-school care that you've experienced?

Also, what summer camp options would you recommend?

Does the GISD offer foreign languages as part of their core elementary curriculum?

And finally , can anyone describe the organizational culture of the GISD as an employer?


Thanks in advance for your help.

[momof2dfw]

I am considering relocating to the Garland/Richardson area. I am curious about the after-school care options for elementary aged children at the Garland YMCA. Does anyone have experience with them? How was it?

I have not used the Y for child care or other programs but know some that have. Mostly for summer camp and sports programs. It is located next door to my dentist. Seems to be doing well and there are plenty of people that use it for their workout facility.


Are there other options for safe and engaging after-school care that you've experienced?

My kids went to Oak Park for preschool and some after school care. Oak Park, Oak Hill, Whistle Stop, Primrose are all good when it comes to after school care as well as many others in the area.


Also, what summer camp options would you recommend?

The GISD offers Camp GISD. It is for 2 weeks and each week is a different course your kids can take. There are a ton of different camps to take advantage of in the summer. All kinds of sport camps thru youth leagues, the schools, the Y, LifeTime Fitness, churches, etc.

Does the GISD offer foreign languages as part of their core elementary curriculum?

They take Spanish starting in kindergarten. It is not intense but it is the basics. They have it I believe twice a week. Some schools do more than others when it comes to Spanish instruction.


And finally , can anyone describe the organizational culture of the GISD as an employer?

I do not work for the district but have plenty of friends that do. They go from working in the offices, teachers, administration, coaches, etc. Everyone seems to like it and I don't know anyone that has left the district other than a move out of the area.

[NikMom]

Thanks Momof2dfw,

Belated Happy Birthday!!

I've read a lot of your other posts about the DFW area and they have been very helpful.

I am amazed and encouraged by how helpful people have been so far.

I'm planning a "scouting" trip there in early November. I'll also look into the other daycare and camp options you mentioned.

Thanks again!