Following the success of its after-school program, the Gleason Family YMCA has created a new before-school program at Sippican School.

The YMCA’s Executive Director of Education Kathleen Treglia said Principal Lyn Rivet approached the YMCA with the idea after several parents expressed interest.

In a survey of local families conducted last winter, Treglia said the YMCA learned their was a high interest in adding a before-school program.

In both programs, children will receive help with homework and can also explore activities including arts, music, literacy, physical activity and more. She said the programs would combine academics with play to offer a safe environment for children who otherwise might be unsupervised.

“The morning program will be a little more low key compared to the afternoon activities,” Treglia said. “Children are still waking up, but they will have access to the gymnasium, arts and crafts will be available or they can spend the time doing school work.”

Financial assistance is available to those in need.

“We don’t want to deter anyone from joining because they can’t afford to send their children. We understand it can be difficult for working parents,” Treglia said.

The program begins the first day of school starting at 7 a.m. to the start of school and after school from dismissal until 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Program Director Lyndsay Parnigoni at 508-295-9622 or gleasonschoolage@ymcasouthcoast.org or visit www.ymcasouthcoast.org.