Overview

School-age programs typically provide child care during the before- and after-school hours. They may also offer care during school holidays and summer break.

About This Type of Care

Different options for school-age care may exist in your community. Local schools may provide care during the before- and after-school hours and may contract with an outside provider such as the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club to offer this type of care. Some family child care providers and child care centers also offer school-age care. Other programs, such as parks and recreation departments, community-based programs, and churches may offer this type of care as well. It is always important to ask your school-age provider or check with your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency to check to see if your provider is required to be licensed. You may also want to check to see if your school-age provider participates in your state's Quality Rating and Improvement System.