MCPS - Aftercare questions

[Anonymous]

I've seen a lot of useful threads on specific aftercare programs in MCPS, but had some general logistics questions and hope a seasoned veteran can help me out as we look ahead to fall.

1. When do you register for aftercare programs for the upcoming school year?

2. If you are planning to do the language immersion lottery, do you register for both your in-bound school and for the immersion school, just in case?

3. This may be program-specific, but for parents who use aftercare just a few afternoons a week, do you still have access to the aftercare programs on in-service days, school breaks, etc. when you might need care on a day you wouldn't normally use it? I.e., you're only registered for M-W, but need coverage on the odd Friday b/c of in-service days, or for the week of spring break - can you count on your program for the extra day(s)?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I can speak about our KAH experience.


I believe that registration for the next year begins in March. For incoming K, you get information at your K roundup and can register at that point. I know I was told to register right away as they fill up.

Last year my child was in aftercare 5 days/week. This year she is only there on a drop-in basis. As long as they know in advance that your child needs to be there, there has been room (both for after school drop-in and for know closed days).

I cannot speak at all about immersion and signing up in both places as we did not experience this. I would imagine you would have to do so to guarantee a spot though.

[Anonymous]

I think it really depends on the aftercare provider. Some fill up faster than others and have more/less flexibility around attending on a part-time basis. It's probably worth calling the aftercare provider to find out more.

[Anonymous]

I think KAH is already accepting new registrations.

[Anonymous]

Bar-T opens in the spring for registration. I know they do drop in. Call the provider at your school - they can tell you for sure.

[Anonymous]

I agree it will really depend on the specific program. DDs program never fills up so we just register a few weeks before it starts. I think that is pretty rare though. If applying for immersion, I'd talk to providers at both schools but I'd discuss their refund policy before paying.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies on this - I'll make some calls to providers and check this out a bit more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've seen a lot of useful threads on specific aftercare programs in MCPS, but had some general logistics questions and hope a seasoned veteran can help me out as we look ahead to fall.

1. When do you register for aftercare programs for the upcoming school year?

2. If you are planning to do the language immersion lottery, do you register for both your in-bound school and for the immersion school, just in case?

3. This may be program-specific, but for parents who use aftercare just a few afternoons a week, do you still have access to the aftercare programs on in-service days, school breaks, etc. when you might need care on a day you wouldn't normally use it? I.e., you're only registered for M-W, but need coverage on the odd Friday b/c of in-service days, or for the week of spring break - can you count on your program for the extra day(s)?

Thanks.

1. Depends on each program. You'd have to check with your school for their provider and then contact the provider.

2. If you register at both, you'll be canceling at one, so be prepared to pay for a cancellation. You will learn about your lottery results in March/April, I think, and can then decide if you want to pursue the wait list. (Not that we applied, I'm going on what other people have said who did apply for the programs.)

3. Definitely a program specific question. You can probably be drop-in for random days, but it will depend on your provider. We have a MWF arrangement and I typically don't do drop-in for any Tuesday/Thursday closings since I think the cost is a bit steep. Instead I make doctor's/dentist appointments for the kids...