Registration Is Open for WCDC’s 2026-2027 Afterschool and Robotics Programs

Jul 28

4 min read

Give your child an afterschool experience that builds confidence, curiosity, and real-world skills.

Westchester Child Development Center is now accepting registrations for its Fall 2026-Spring 2027 programs in Hartsdale, New York. Families can choose from afterschool enrichment, Saturday robotics, FIRST LEGO League preparation, academic support, school-break camps, and advanced STEM programs.

Programs serve students from kindergarten through middle school, with age-appropriate pathways in writing, public speaking, math, science, aviation, coding, and robotics.

More Than Childcare: An Afternoon with Purpose

Finding the right afterschool program is about more than filling the hours between school and dinner. Parents want a safe, dependable environment where their children can finish homework, explore new interests, build friendships, and come home excited about what they learned.

WCDC’s afterschool program combines academic support with hands-on enrichment in one convenient location.

Students receive:

Homework help and academic reinforcement
Small-group instruction and personalized coaching
Creative opportunities beyond the regular school day
STEM, coding, robotics, and engineering experiences
Communication, leadership, and problem-solving practice
Games, drawing, crafts, and time to connect with classmates

WCDC is located at 210 N Central Avenue in Hartsdale, making it a convenient enrichment option for families in Hartsdale and surrounding Westchester communities.

Afterschool Enrichment for Grades K-5

The WCDC afterschool program meets Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Students learn in two age-appropriate groups: kindergarten through grade 2 and grade 3 and above. Each weekday brings a new opportunity to discover, create, and grow.

Monday: Creative Writing and Python

Younger writers strengthen grammar and imaginative storytelling, while older students develop more advanced literacy and essay-writing skills. Python classes introduce students to coding, logic, and computational thinking.

Tuesday: Public Speaking and Aviation

Public speaking activities help students organize their ideas, tell engaging stories, practice debate fundamentals, and speak with greater confidence.

Aviation lessons introduce science through aerodynamics, navigation, radio communication, flight planning, and simulator experiences for older students.

Wednesday: LEGO Robotics

Students develop mechanical thinking, coding skills, teamwork, and persistence through LEGO Explore and LEGO Explore Competition activities.

Thursday: Singapore Math and Intro to FIRST LEGO League

Singapore Math helps students build strong mathematical understanding and flexible problem-solving strategies. Intro to FIRST LEGO League prepares students in grade 3 and above for more advanced robotics challenges.

Friday: Science, Engineering, and Creative Arts

Students finish the week with hands-on experiments, engineering activities, arts and crafts, and collaborative projects that make learning enjoyable.

A Schedule Designed for Westchester Families

WCDC offers enrollment from one to five days per week, allowing parents to create a schedule that works for their family.

Monthly membership options begin at $199 for one day per week and extend to $599 for five days per week. Licensed shuttle pickup is included for students attending Fox Meadow, Greenacres, Heathcote, Edgewood, and Greenville schools. Pickup from other schools may be available upon request. Optional send-home service is also available for an additional daily fee.

Families should contact WCDC to confirm transportation availability and choose the right enrollment plan.

Saturday Robotics Classes in Westchester

For children who love to build, code, experiment, and solve problems, WCDC’s Saturday robotics program offers a clear pathway from early LEGO exploration to advanced competition preparation.

Saturday options include:

LEGO FLL Challenge
Intro to FLL for grade 3 and above
LEGO Explore Competition
Intro to FTC for grade 8 and above

Most programs meet in focused 90-minute learning blocks. The Intro to FTC studio offers an extended three-hour session for older students who are ready for a more advanced engineering experience.

Saturday classes are taught in small-group settings with an approximate teacher-to-student ratio of 1:8.

A Robotics Pathway That Grows with Your Child

WCDC’s robotics curriculum is designed as a progression rather than a one-time activity.

Students can begin with motorized LEGO builds, basic mechanics, drag-and-drop coding, and story-based challenges. As they advance, they work with SPIKE Prime, autonomous robots, block coding, Python, mission strategy, innovation projects, and judging preparation.

Advanced students progress from controlling a robot to understanding complete engineering systems. Along the way, they learn an especially valuable skill: how to explain why their solution works.

This approach develops much more than technical ability. Students practice resilience, communication, teamwork, strategic thinking, and leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does WCDC’s Fall 2026 afterschool program begin?

The Fall afterschool semester begins on September 1, 2026, and runs through December 22, 2026.

What ages does the WCDC afterschool program serve?

The weekday afterschool program serves students in grades K-5, with separate learning groups for grades K-2 and grade 3 and above.

Does WCDC offer school pickup?

Yes. Licensed shuttle pickup is included for Fox Meadow, Greenacres, Heathcote, Edgewood, and Greenville. Families from other schools can contact WCDC to ask about availability.

Does my child need robotics experience?

No. WCDC offers entry points for beginners as well as advanced students. The team can help determine the most appropriate starting level for your child.

What robotics programs are available?

Programs include LEGO Explore, LEGO Explore Competition, Intro to FIRST LEGO League, FLL Challenge, competition preparation, and Intro to FIRST Tech Challenge for students in grade 8 and above.

How much does registration cost?

The annual registration fee is $50 per student. WCDC also offers sibling and referral discounts. Program tuition varies by schedule and enrollment option.

How can I register?

Or mail office@nywcdc.com, or call 914-829-2694. WCDC can help you select the right class, schedule, and starting level.

Help Your Child Learn Boldly in 2026-2027

The right afterschool program can turn free time into an opportunity for discovery.

At WCDC, students are encouraged to ask questions, express their ideas, test solutions, learn from mistakes, and take pride in their progress. Whether your child wants to become a stronger writer, a more confident speaker, a creative engineer, or a competition-ready robotics student, WCDC provides a supportive place to take the next step.