YWCA Kids Place

Cheerful Boys, Kid's Place, YWCA Columbus

YWCA Columbus offers before- and after-school programs that nurture children's learning and development through STEAM activities, social-emotional learning, and community engagement.

Quality, Affordable Child Care

YWCA Kids Place: On a Mission to Inspire Lifelong Learning Through our High-Quality Afterschool Program

YWCA Columbus has more than 30 years of experience providing this affordable, dependable, high-quality afterschool program — Kids Place! Our programs are conveniently located in your child’s elementary school to promote consistency and ease of transition from school to after school. We currently serve students in the Gahanna and Westerville school districts and are expanding our reach as well.

All of our programs are Step Up to Quality star-rated. We use a comprehensive curriculum that includes choice-based learning, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), social-emotional development, and physical fitness. Additionally — in alignment with the mission of YWCA Columbus — our programs promote social action and advocacy by participating in community service projects in the community.

What We Provide

  • Choice Based Learning

    Kids Place programs are planned with choice-based, student-led activities. Studies show that when students have some control over their learning they make more positive choices in the classroom due to increased confidence levels.

    Choice Based Learning

  • Social Emotional Learning

    We encourage individual growth and empowerment through social emotional learning. Students learn to manage their emotions, set goals, express empathy, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

    Social Emotional Learning

  • Physical Fitness

    Every day students engage in 30+ minutes of physical activity. Whether playing gym games, exploring different sports, or having time to run and laugh with friends, they are given the time and space to have active fun to explore just being kids.

    Physical Fitness

  • STEAM

    STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, is an all-encompassing curriculum structure that allows Kids Place programming to support students academically.

    STEAM
Education, Kid's Place, YWCA Columbus

Highly Trained Staff

Our staff is highly trained in ODJFS safety and development standards, engage in regular professional development to ensure Step Up to Quality standards, and has ten hours of additional professional development. Proudly, our directors and administration have over 185 years of combined experience.

And, we are HIRING NOW for many positions. If you love to help with activities for children centered around art, science, technology, and math, as well as physical activity and outdoor play — this job is for you! Learn more and apply here.

Your Child’s Safety is Our Priority

YWCA Kids Place takes the safety of the children we serve very seriously. We have worked with the Gahanna and Westerville school districts to ensure doors are locked during program times. We work with local police and fire departments to provide guidance in safety measures and training for staff, including emergency drills for students. YWCA Kids Place programs are licensed by and subject to inspections through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, prior to employment with YWCA Columbus, all Kids Place employees complete a background check, physical, drug screen, and education verification.

SELECT YOUR DISTRICT:

Staff That Care ↘

  • Christina Walls

    Christina Walls

    Managing Director of Education
    614-627-1233

    Email Christina
  • Laura Miller

    Laura Miller

    District Program Administrator - Westerville
    614-224-9121 (ext. 1271)

    Email Laura
  • Tameka Donaldson

    Tameka Donaldson

    District Program Administrator - Gahanna
    614-224-9121 (ext. 1211)

    Email Tameka
  • Justin Morrow

    Justin Morrow

    District Program Administrator – USN
    614-224-9121 (ext. 1256)

    Email Justin
  • Mandi Buchwald

    Mandi Buchwald

    District Program Coordinator - Westerville
    614-224-9121 (ext. 1239)

    Email Mandi
  • Kristy Hylton

    Kristy Hylton

    District Program Coordinator - Gahanna
    614-224-9121 (ext. 1259)

    Email Kristy
  • Loren Beckett

    Loren Beckett

    Education Administrative Assistant
    614-224-9121 (ext. 1204)

    Email Loren

THE EXPANSION OF YWCA COLUMBUS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS.

Kids Place Impact ↘

  • 30+ years of service

  • 20,000+ students served

  • $500,000 given back to schools and communities