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. 9-9:30am
NEW! JR. STAR:
Ages 6 – 9
Session I/II & Session III/IV
- Sports: Sat. 9-9:30pm
- Dance: Sat. 12:15-1pm
- Cooking: Wed. 4-4:45pm
Pricing Per Session:
30 Min. Classes: Full Member: $100 $50 Program Member: $120 $60
45 Min. Classes: Full Member: $120 $60 Program Member: $140 $70
21 PLUS DAY PROGRAM
Located at Advent Lutheran Church, Mon. – Fri. (2 Day Min.)
9am-3pm: $90 per day
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.
Application process required. Ask for a Tour! Contact: BradK@wyckoffymca.org
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
Life Skills:
- Cooking
- Money Management
- Health/Fitness
- Hygiene
- Skill Development
- Cleaning
- Personal Interests
Social Outings:
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Parks
- Sports/Fitness Events
- Theatre
- Weekly Trips to the YMCA for Swimming, Zumba, & Sports Classes
Technology:
- iPads & Wii
- Proper Online Etiquette
- Web Browsing Skills
- Computer Skills
NEW! SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Wyckoff YMCA Revolution Athletes take part in Special Olympics offerings throughout the year where they hone their skills, improve their health, and empower themselves in an inclusive environment. Emulating the Special Olympics mission, Athletes focus on what they can do, not what they can’t do.
SHINING STAR EXPRESS PROGRAM CLASSES
Shining Star Express (SSE) 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 SSE Classes at the Wyckoff YMCA and Advent Lutheran Church.
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
JOIN US FOR OUR 21st ANNUAL
Buddy Walk
Sat., OCTOBER 10, 2026
Location: Wyckoff Family YMCA
Event Begins at 10am
The Bergen Buddy Walk brings together all members of our community to raise awareness and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and other Special Needs. The Wyckoff Family YMCA’s Special Needs programs provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities so they can be healthy, connected and secure.
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