Special Needs
Special Needs Programming:
Interested in learning more about our Special Needs programs? Learn more below!
FUTURE STARS PROGRAM:
The Children’s Program Department is excited to announce our offerings for Children with Special Needs.
FUTURE STARS gives individuals with intellectual and/ or developmental disability access to classes and activities that encourage self-sufficiency, socialization, and staying active.
Participants build developmental assets, personal strengths, self-confidence, and other cognitive and non-cognitive skills through sports, art, movement classes, and more. The Wyckoff YMCA is proud to partially underwrite the cost of this new venture through the philanthropic branch, Wyckoff Y Cares Fund. DON’T MISS OUT!
NEW! YOUNG STARS:
Ages 3 – 6
Session I/II & Session III/IV
- Sports: Sat. 11-11:30am
- Art: Wed. 4-4:30pm
NEW! JR. STAR:
Ages 6 – 9
Session I/II & Session III/IV
- Sports: Sat. 11-11:30pm
- Dance: Sat. 1:15-2pm
- Art: Wed. 4:45-5:30pm
Pricing Per Session:
30 Min. Classes: Full Member: $90 $45 Program Member: $110 $55
45 Min. Classes: Full Member: $110 $55 Program Member: $130 $65
21 PLUS DAY PROGRAM
Located at Advent Lutheran Church, Mon. – Fri. (2 Day Min.)
9am-3pm: $85 per day
Application process required. Ask for a Tour! Contact: BradK@wyckoffymca.org
Shining Star 21+ is our Special Needs Day Program for individuals 21 and older with varying abilities. It is a hands-on program that focuses on social skills, educational opportunities, and personal development while integrating the participants into the local community.
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
Life Skills:
- Independent Living Coach
- Financial Literacy
- Social Skills
- Cooking/Kitchen Instruction
- Nutrition Essentials
- Art Enrichments
Social Outings:
- Movies
- Lunch
- Bowling
- Educational Trips
- Yoga, Swimming, Fitness, and Tennis at the YMCA
Technology:
- iPads & Wii
- Proper Online Etiquette
- Web Browsing Skills
- Computer Skills
SHINING STAR CLASS PROGRAM
Shining Star Program is an inclusive program available to individuals of all ages and abilities that meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Classes range from Tennis, Dance, Aquacise, Yoga, and Craft Club. Classes run once a week and run for 16 weeks at a time. Please inquire for available classes here at the Wyckoff YMCA.
Application process required. Contact: MaryW@wyckoffymca.org
JOIN US FOR OUR 18TH ANNUAL
GOLF OUTING BENEFITING SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Location: Ballyowen Golf Club, Hamburg, NJ
Your Participation Benefits the Wyckoff YMCA's Special Needs Programs so these individuals have the support they need to be healthy, confident and secure.
REGISTER or BECOME A SPONSOR BY JULY 10
Questions? Contact: EllenG@wyckoffymca.org
"Billy’s Buddies" Group:
Billy's Buddies is an outreach group for children with Down syndrome and their families.
The primary goal is to create awareness and acceptance of individuals with DS. Additionally, “Billy’s Buddies” provides families with valuable resources and networking opportunities.
Billy’s Buddies Membership includes:
- A caring, supportive Parent Network
- Support for New Parents
- Participation in the Buddy Walk of Bergen County
- Social events for families: picnics, St. Patty's Party, Spring Party, Summer Spring Lake Swim Party
- Join other families who have a child with Down syndrome once a month for a special event or to socialize. Parents participate in an adult group, siblings participate in a sibling group, and children enjoy spending time with the Wyckoff YMCA Teen Leaders. Meetings are followed by a light dinner.
Questions? Contact: JenK@wyckoffymca.org