SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE

SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE
School-age Child Care/Day Care Programs (also commonly referred to as Before and After School Programs) offer care for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. A license may not be required, depending on location. They usually operate in schools, community centers, YMCA/YWCAs or park and recreation programs. Care is typically available before and after school, on school holidays and during the summer.
Some things to consider

The program may be in the child's school.

The program frequently offers field trips and special events.

Can be busy and structured; may not provide children with enough of a break from school.

Group size can be large with limited supervision.
Generally, Before and After School Programs offer financial assistance to lower income families. Many also offer Sliding Fees proportionate to a family’s gross annual household income. The range of gross income for each tier is determined by a formula using a percentage of the State Median Income (SMI) and the number of people in the household.
Generally, you can find information and resources for Before and After School Programs at your child’s school.
Another good resource you can use to help you search for child care online, find a referral agency in your region, choose quality child care and find other resources available to families, is the Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network . Among others, they provide a checklist created by the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies that will help you know what to look for and ask to find out if the program you are considering will be a safe, healthy and happy place for your child.
Finally, you can find additional Child Care information and resources on the University of Minnesota Human Resources website.