Please help me think through a solution for after-care

[Anonymous]

I agree you need to ask other parents what they do for an aftercare program. Can you switch schools to something with a program?

The going rate for someone that is just doing a couple hours per day is $30hr

[Anonymous]

OP, is there a school bus that will bring your kid home? What time will the bus drop them off? Finding someone who will drive your kid to their appointments/therapies after school is really a unicorn kind of thing, and $200/week won't do it.

Many families solve this problem with both parents flexing their work day (one working 7-4 and the other 9-6, or similar) - is that an option for you?

[Anonymous]

I found someone through care.com who would pick up and then hang out for a couple of hours. You might also call the school and ask what programs pick up from the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree you need to ask other parents what they do for an aftercare program. Can you switch schools to something with a program?

The going rate for someone that is just doing a couple hours per day is $30hr

I also offer $30 and have usually been able to find someone good, although they do move on (college students whose schedule changes, get hired full time at other job, go to law school, etc)

[Anonymous]

Do you need the aftercare everyday of the week? In your situation, you may be best off trading aftercare with another family in your neighborhood with a similar aged child that your child gets along with. Have their kid come over to your house 2x week after school, your kid goes to their house 2x week after school or something like that.

[Anonymous]

I don’t know if this would work but you could TRY finding out if anyone else from that school goes to an aftercare and what they do. I know KAH buses from some schools but I think it’s only designated ones. You could try calling their central office and see if they have ideas. The problem is even if they can work with you it’s VERY late- I have a friend who is 12th in the waitlist for 3 days and she signed up weeks ago. The good thing about aftercare through KAH is you only pay for days you use. That’s what I do and work later the days I have care and pick up on appointment days myself because I think it’s helpful to be there. Alternatively you start your day crazy early and your partner does drop off and you finish for the day at 3. It’s hard but we have done that too. Finding some one other than a full time nanny to take your kids to appointments after school is challenging

[Anonymous]

OP here--thanks you all for these helpful suggestions!