Before and after school care refers to organized programs or services that provide supervision, activities, and care for school-age children outside of regular school hours, typically before school starts and after school ends. These programs support working families by offering a safe and engaging environment for kids during times when parents may be working or unavailable.
What Before and After School Care Includes
- Supervised environment promoting social, recreational, and educational activities such as homework help, STEM projects, arts, sports, and creative play.
- Opportunities for children to develop social skills, confidence, and independence.
- Transportation services in some programs from school to care centers.
- Options for care during school breaks, holidays, and summer vacation.
- Healthy snacks and encouragement of physical activity.
- Programs often led by trained educators or childcare professionals.
Where These Programs are Offered
- Child care centers and family child care homes.
- Recreation centers and local youth organizations (e.g., YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs).
- Onsite at local schools or affiliated facilities.
- Independent providers or private childcare programs.
Benefits of Before and After School Care
- Provides a consistent and safe place for children to be before and after school.
- Helps children with homework and learning enrichment.
- Allows children to socialize with peers from different grades and schools.
- Supports working parents by extending childcare hours.
- Encourages healthy habits and physical activity.
How to Find and Choose a Program
- Contact local schools to inquire about onsite before and after school programs.
- Use local or state childcare search services.
- Look for programs that offer a balance of play, learning, and socialization.
- Consider programming that aligns with a child’s interests and needs.
This type of care nurtures children’s development while providing convenience and peace of mind to families.