If you are a parent who does not want your tween walking home to an empty house after school, then you know the need for after school care is important. In fact, it has grown, and there are now many programs to choose from that fit your work schedule and your tween's taste in activities.
Daycare Centers
Many daycares are now offering after school programs for children from about kindergarten through fifth grade. In most cases tuition is based on a weekly rate. Daycares will pick the children up from school in a designated bus and transport them to the daycare center. This is approved by the school. There, they will offer supervision, after school snacks, and activities until about 6:30. Most of the larger daycare centers do offer such as program, as well as neighborhood centers.
School Sponsored Extended Day Programs
Another good choice for after school programs are school or district sponsored "extended day" programs. These are wonderful options because they are generally less expensive than daycare centers. In addition, they are often perfect because children do not have to be transported to another location. They simply check in at the school cafeteria or gym. Most "extended day" programs offer snacks, activities, and help with homework.
Some programs give tweens choices for activities by bringing in outside art programs to work with children interested in arts and crafts, science programs (like Mad Science), and other such programs to the school. These places do charge parents to have students attend the classes, and many parents are happy to pay the fee.
Parent Co-Op
Another popular and inexpensive option for an after school program is a parent cop-op. This is when a network of parents gets together and switches off carpooling and entertaining children after school. Parents may decide to have a set schedule where the parent on duty helps with homework and then shuttles tweens to extracurricular activities. This is a good option for parents that have a flexible work schedule. It is good to know there is someone you can rely on when it comes to taking care of your child.
It is important that the involved parents are registered with the school, in order to have permission to pick up children that are not their own. Otherwise, parents might opt to have tweens just meet at their house when they get off the school bus, and handle things from there. Good communication is key to making this type of after school program work well.
The YMCA
The local YMCA probably offers after school programming as well. You need to check for this service in your local area. This option is quite popular with parents because there are many activities there to keep the tweens busy. For example, they may offer martial arts, dance, or other activities that promote movement and fitness. The YMCA will pick the children up from school, and once at the location children can work on homework or participate in extracurricular activities.
When you need to choose an after school program for your child, it is important to look at all the options. You will need to make sure that the time is right for you, and that you have the ability to pick your child up on time. Many of these places charge a hefty late pick up fee.
In addition, you will want to make sure that the facility is adequately staffed and children are supervised at all times. Safety should be a number one concern when choosing after school programming. Visit a few places to know exactly what will go on after school. Talk to your school's principal, if you are interested in the after school child care they provide right at the school.
Best of all, with so many different options, you are sure to find one that suits your work schedule and your tween's interests. That way you can both have peace of mind.
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