Reply to Aftercare in Elementary School: What should I look for?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I disagree, afterschool care is a very good secondary criteria to rank your top (and other) choices. What PP bemoans may have been true in a lottery where rankings (of charters) didn't matter. That's no longer the case. You can't wait to see how things shape up and then go look.
Here is what I'd inquire about regarding afterschool care:
- Get a sense of whether there is a private provider or whether DCPS is delivering afterschool care (as is the case in Title I schools). There is a huge cost difference between the two,  but also (though not always) a difference in quality.
- If you need before care, then many schools will be off your table or will require you find other solutions, as not all offer before care.
- Ask about costs and do the math ($20/day) is not uncommon, just for afterschool care, and often not including additional fees for "specials". If needed inquire about the conditions for reduced rates.
- Do some background on the providers. Some are in business nationally and will therefore allow you to find some reviews. Keep in mind that afterschool care is notoriously difficult for parents to get a handle on because they're typically not there and only see their kids at pick-up time ("not doing anything").
- Don't be shy to ask specific questions, such as how groups are divided, how many teachers there are, who the teachers are, what they do, what "classroom management" approach they use. Also important will be whether they're in session on days school is out and if there are affordable late pick-up options. After all, your child will be spending a substantial amount of time in that setting.

Lastly, I'm not sure you should look for something hyper-programmed for your preschooler. Mostly, after 6 hours of tight programming, they'll want to enjoy free play. But you will want to know what that means. Will they be in a classroom with interesting and stimulating materials and personnel or will they be running wild en masse in the cafeteria or on the playground.[/quote]

OP , here. Thanks for the post and as you mentioned, aftercare is a very big factor in how I will rank my school choices. I am very flexible as far as commute is concerned but I am looking for an aftercare program that is much more than a bunch of kids running around in a gym. I have also witnessed a good deal of bullying in unsupervised aftercare programs, so supervision is important too. I see that some programs offer language courses and as well as ballet, Lego club and other fun offerings. From what I have researched, the aftercare classes are only offered a 3 days a week at best, so they is room for free play. Thanks, again.[/quote]

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