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[quote=Anonymous]We are at H.D. Cooke, which has a DCPS-run aftercare program that is free for all (regardless of income). We have been happy with it. We recently had the aftercare coordinator for the school speak at a PTO meeting, so it's fresh in my mind. Here is what I remember from the meeting.

- kids are all separated by grade. So, my PK3 student is only with other PK3 students. 
- the daytime teachers rotate into the aftercare slots. So, my daughter's assistant teacher is one of the aftercare teachers two days a week; one of the PK3 lead teachers does aftercare once a week; and some of the PK4 teachers also lead the PK3 aftercare. The same teachers regularly cover aftercare classes; therefore, although the teachers rotate, they get to know the students well.
- On four days, there are specials for PK kids: art one day, library another day, and jumpstart (an Americorps program with volunteers from Howard) twice a week. (I'm 90% sure that is the name of the program--I don't have my notes in front of me.) 
- The older grades have more options for after care--going to the Sitar center, swim classes at the Reed pool, girls and boys on the run, soccer, and the like. The older kids also have "academic power hour" where they complete their homework.
- The typical day for PK kids looks like this: 
- School lets out at 3:15. From 3:15 to 3:30 the kids are gathering in their classrooms, attendance is taken, etc. 
- 3:30 is snack time, though they call it supper, and kids go into centers when they are done eating. Snack is generally a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and milk--pretty substantial. 
- From 4-5 they have the special for that day (jumpstart, art, library). If there is no special then they go outside or to the gym. 
- From 5-6 it's either outside time, gym time, or centers time. My daughter loves centers (where they can choose things like blocks, books, dramatic play, sand table, water table, etc.) and I'm pretty sure they do them at some point every day in aftercare, especially when the weather is crummy.

We've been really happy with it. We were in a charter school earlier this year with really expensive after care, and we think the quality of the DCPS-run aftercare is much higher at a much better price (free!). Most important, my daughter tells me how much she likes the aftercare.

Happy to answer any specific questions you may have.[/quote]

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