At YSS, we provide stability and education beyond the classroom. Our Kids Club program offers a safe, enriching place for children (grades K-6) before and after school, as well during the summer. Our Teen Club is a fun, engaging afterschool program for teens (grades 6-8) to focus on positive development.
YSS Kids Club
We provide structured, interactive, and educational activities that help children build their skills.
From games to outside playtime, crafts to dramatic play—YSS Kids Club is the perfect place for your child to thrive beyond the classroom. Licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), YSS Kids Club provides your child with a safe and stimulating environment before/after school and during no-school days.
Research shows children involved in afterschool programs have increased self-esteem and develop personal, social, and academic skills.
Our fully-trained staff create a nurturing environment to allow children to play, learn, and build positive relationships.
Program Info
INSPIRED LEARNING
Centers
Our environment allows space for arts, crafts, dramatic play, games, and building activities.
Academic Enrichment
Staff and tutors provide children with the support needed to complete homework and improve academics.
The Great Outdoors
Weather permitting, children spend time outdoors stretching their legs, having fun, and getting fresh air.
Snacks
Nutritious snacks are served every afternoon, providing healthy energy for growing children. Snacks are nut free.
Community Connection
We offer fun and educational guest speakers to enhance monthly themes. Children expand their leadership skills and give back to the community by completing service learning projects.
HOURS
- Before-school program: Opens at 6:30 a.m., Monday-Friday
- Afterschool program: Closes at 6 p.m., Monday-Friday
- Summer program: 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday
Kids Club is closed New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Every effort will be made to offer all-day programming during non-school days, including winter and spring break.
If school is dismissed, delayed, or canceled due to inclement weather, Kids Club will be closed.
Nile's Story
When Nile decided to major in Elementary Education at Iowa State University, he applied to YSS Kids Club to gain experience. In his role, Nile plays football, prepares snacks, reads books, helps with homework, and offers a listening ear when a child is having a rough day. During the summer, Nile helps lead field trips to places like the state capitol and Blank Park Zoo.
Nile says he loves working with kids because they’re funny, ask deep questions, and are “fully themselves.” The experience has allowed him to practice techniques such as getting kids’ attentions in a fun way (“Macaroni and cheese, everybody freeze!”) and giving a five-minute warning before putting toys away. One day last summer when a kid was struggling, Nile sat and talked with him for the entire recess.
“The kids all have differences and similarities. It’s amazing to see how much energy they have at 6:30 in the morning, and how quickly they get to know you,” Nile says. “I’ve learned so much.”
Registration
Download and complete the registration form. Contact your site to find out about enrollment availability.
Locations
Ballard Kids Club
515-291-9050
kcballard@yss.org
Boone Kids Club
515-451-4335
kcboone@yss.org
Colo-Nesco Kids Club
515-233-3141
nschroer@yss.org
Gilbert Kids Club (Afterschool only)
515-291-1048
kcgilbert@yss.org
Ogden Kids Club
515-298-0587
kcogden@yss.org
Roland-Story Kids Club
515-291-1564
kcrolandstory@yss.org
United Kids Club
515-291-0374
kcunited@yss.org
Fees
Fees for Kids Club are on a sliding fee scale based on family size and income. To determine if you qualify for a discount, please submit a copy of your most current income tax form.
Story County
Summer Fee Scale Before & After School Fee Scale
Boone County
Summer Fee Scale Before & After School Fee Scale
Colo-NESCO
Before & After School Fee Scale
Drop-In Rates
Summer Enrichment
Summer can be a long break from friends, school, and even a meal for some kids.
YSS's free, six-week summer enrichment program focuses on fun and educational activities. Our program is a collaborative effort to prevent summer learning loss and ensure kids get a nutritional meal.
In the program, we offer four areas of play and education: literacy, STEM, PE, and a summer theme that is based on the library's weekly theme.
Registration is open from mid-March to early May. Transportation is available, if needed.
Program Info
ELIGIBIITY
Nevada and Collins-Maxwell Programs
These programs are open to all youth (grades K-8). Registration packets can be picked up at your child's school.
Ames Program
The school district selects participants (grades K-4) based on test scores. Please contact your local school administrator for information about your child's eligibility.
HOURS
- Ames: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Thursday (lunch provided)
- Collins-Maxwell: 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Monday-Thursday (breakfast and lunch provided)
- Nevada: 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Monday-Thursday (breakfast and lunch provided)
The YSS summer program is a collaborative effort among 13 different organizations and providers all working together to create an enriching environment for students. This program would not be possible without the support of our partners: United Way of Story County, Raising Readers, Ames Public Library, Nevada Public Library, Ames School District, and Nevada School District.
Teen Club
More than a place to go after school, YSS Teen Club is an opportunity for youth to belong and engage with their peers outside the classroom.
Available in the Ballard and Collins-Maxwell school districts, Teen Club (or "Impact") is a fun and engaging afterschool program offered to youth in grades 6-8. The program is free and everyone is welcome.
Participants enjoy a wide array of games, science experiments, cooking projects, crafts, field trips, and more.
Program Info
CURRICULUM
Wyman Teen Outreach Program (TOP)
TOP focuses on positive youth development and empowers teens to make healthy choices. The curriculum includes lessons addressing volunteerism, community development, relationships, friendships, peer pressure, and self-esteem/confidence.
Youth in the program choose their own lesson, and the facilitator helps guide them through the lesson plan. In addition, the youth engage in community service projects.
Ballard Engineers
The Ballard Impact group started an engineering club held every Thursday afternoon. Iowa State University students who are currently enrolled in the collegiate engineering and robotics club also facilitate engineering projects with the participants.
HOURS
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 3-5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 1:30-5 p.m.
The program only runs when school is in session. We are closed on holidays, spring break, and other days that school is canceled.
REGISTRATION
To register, parents can fill out a registration packet, which are available at your child's Back to School night or at the school's main office.
Youth may try out the program before registering to see if it fits their interests.
