One World Project
Contact: Website | hola@oneworldproject.org | (718) 435-2840
Location: 302 Vanderbilt St
Description: One World Project's After School program is a place where children come together to play, discover, have fun, and make friends while they learn and practice Spanish. We offer After School programming 5 days a week, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm for students ages 5-11. Students who attend elementary school at P.S. 130, P.S. 154, and P.S. 230 can be picked up at school by teachers from One World Project, and walk to OWP as a group.
Ages: Kindergarten - 5th Grade
School Pickups? We do pickup from P.S. 130, P.S. 154, and P.S. 230.
Costs: For 5 days a week it is roughly $240.
Hours: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Length: Academic Year, September - June
Additional Information: With a few exceptions, OWP follows the New York City Department of Education's school calendar and the after school program is generally closed when public schools are closed. However, OWP offers day camps on most DOE holidays. If spots are available, children can enroll at any juncture during the school year. We are a nut free school.
Find PSP Member Reviews here!
Keylab Music Lessons
Contact: Website | info@keylab.nyc | (718) 576-3514
Location: 94 Luquer St Brooklyn, NY 11231
Description: Keylab's primary mission is to educate, inspire, and empower music students ages 5 to adult towards defining and realizing their creative ambitions. We use a fun combination of traditional music education, and modern technology to help students develop into skilled, confident, and creative artists. Keylab offers lessons at our studio in Carroll Gardens, or in your home.
Ages: age 5 to adult
School Pickups? We do not offer school pickups
Costs: The average monthly rates for children's lessons are: 30 minute lessons - $240 monthly, $30 for trial lesson 45 minute lessons - $340 monthly, $45 for trial lesson 60 minute lessons - $410 monthly, $60 for trial lesson
Hours: Monday - Thursday 2 - 8:30, Friday 2 - 6:30, Saturday 10 am - 3 pm
Length: month to month
Bonjour After School
Contact: Website | afterschool@bonjourny.com | (646) 974-9220
Location: Downtown Brooklyn; UWS
Description: Bustling with creative energy, Bonjour After School is a motivating space for active kids to immerse themselves in French, Mandarin, and Spanish! Leveled, small-group instruction is for beginning to bilingual learners in K–5th Grade. Pick-Up available from local schools! BAS also offers Private Tutoring, supporting your child’s existing program or using our own proven methods.
Ages: K–5th (after-school); 4–18 (tutoring)
School Pickups? PS 8, 20, 29, 38, 133, 261, 456, Albee Square Montessori, A. Fantis, BASIS Gold St, Brooklyn Friends, Brooklyn Prospect (DTES)*, Community Roots (CRCS), Compass*, Packer, St. Ann’s
*Early pickup on Wednesdays
Costs: Full program $75/week; tutoring $80–125/session
Hours: 1:00 – 6:00pm
Length: September – February and February – June
Additional Information: Multiple days/week: 15% off (use code BAS15)
Sibling: 10% off 2nd child; 15% off 3rd+ child
Group discounts (4+) available for group sign-ups and same-school pick-up
Mini-Camps open during DOE holidays
Brooklyn Acting Lab
Contact: Website | admin@brooklynactinglab.org | (718) 238-8383
Location: 56 Windsor Place; 1012 8th Avenue; 729 Carroll Street
Description: For over 18 years, BAL has been a creative home for young performers — a place where imagination takes center stage and community comes to life.
Our after-school programs, open to students in Pre-K through 8th grade, run Monday through Saturday at our studios with school pickup available from select sites.
We offer a dynamic range of classes in musical theater, (two Mainstage Musicals per season) improv, and acting — each designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and foster connection.
Guided by experienced teaching artists, every session encourages courage, collaboration, and self-expression both on stage and beyond.
Ages: Pre-K through 8th Grade
School Pickups? School pick up available from PS 295, 10, 107, 154, 321, 118, 130, St. Savior,Berkeley Carroll, and Poly Prep. If your school is not on this list and you are interested in school pick-up, please reach out.
Costs: $30-$50 per week
Hours: 3:00 - 7:00pm
Length: September-December, January-June, July & August
Additional Information: School Break Programs during school holiday
Treasure Trunk Theatre
Contact: Website | info@treasuretrunktheatre.com | (347) 762-9475
Location: Brooklyn Heights Atlantic Ave, Park Slope, Prospect Heights
Description: Treasure Trunk Theatre’s afterschool program invites kids to step into a world of creativity, collaboration, and imagination.
Each afternoon offers a new adventure, with themes ranging from Musical Theatre to Craft & Create, so children can explore a variety of artistic outlets.
Families can join us for a single day or sign up for the whole week—flexibility to fit your schedule.
Whether your child is brand new to theatre or already loves the spotlight, our afterschool classes provide a joyful space to play, learn, and grow.
Ages: 3 - 12 years
School Pickups? Yes, ALL schools or bus stops within a 20min walk from our studios.
Costs: $40-$60 per weekly class (depends on length)
Hours: 9:00am-6:00pm
Length: September - January and February - June
Additional Information: Flexible registration with options for drop-ins, full semester discounts, and sibling discounts.
Find PSP Member Reviews here!
Brooklyn Game Lab
Contact: Website | frontdesk@brooklyngamelab.com | (718) 788-1122
Location: 310 7th Ave; 479 7th Ave
Description: Brooklyn Game Lab’s After School sessions are held every weekday during the school year at both of our locations in Center Slope (310 7th Ave) and South Slope (479 7th Ave). Signup is for the whole semester (prorated if signing up mid-semester).
After School attendees get the opportunity to play everything we offer, where each child samples a variety of our best games at the start of the year, then tells us their favorites. From that point onward, we offer two to three activities at each location per day, sorting each player into their most preferred game. Attendees earn daily merits for their behavior, designs, and achievements. When they earn enough merits, they level join one of our five Immortal Houses, teams with distinct characteristics that foster collaboration and companionship.
Visit our website to see if we provide pick up from your school!
Ages: 6 - 14 years
School Pickups? We pick up from the following schools -
For our CENTER SLOPE LOCATION: PS 321, PS 39, PS 118, PS 133, PS 282, PS 372, St. Saviour, Epic Academy, and Brooklyn Friends School.
For our SOUTH SLOPE LOCATION: PS 10, PS 107, PS 130, PS 154, PS 230, PS 295, Berkeley Carroll, St Joseph the Worker.
Costs: Average cost per week is $90 for single-day enrollment, with further discounts for additional days and/or siblings.
Hours: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Length: September 4th through January 30th
Additional Information: Enrolling multiple days or siblings? Get 5% off all enrollments if you book more than one! Make sure you include all sessions in the same cart to receive this discount.
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CBE Kids Club
Contact: Website | cbekids@cbebk.org | (718)768-3814
Location: CBE | 274 Garfield Place
Description: Looking for a fun, safe, inclusive, flexible afterschool program for the fall? Park Slope favorite CBE Kids Club picks up at 10 local elementary schools and offers games, snacks, homework time, and plenty of time to decompress and play. For kids who prefer a wider range of extracurriculars, we offer a variety of add-on activities including swim, gymnastics, coding, art, and much more. Also new this year: Sign up for a full year and you’ll save time, money, and get your first pick of add-ons.
Ages: K-5
School Pickups? PS 321 PS 10 PS 107 PS 282 PS 9 PS 133 Berkeley Carroll Poly Prep Lower School PS 118 PS 39
Costs: $850-$1700 per semester
Hours: 2:40-6 p.m
Length: 3 3-month trimesters Sept-Nov, Dec-Feb, March-June
Additional Information: Sibling discounts: The first sibling receives a 5% discount; any additional siblings receive a 10% discount on the lowest tuition fee.
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BAX Youth Education Classes
Contact: Website | info@bax.org | (718) 832-0018
Location: 421 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215
Description: BAX is an intergenerational incubator space that welcomes all kinds of learners and encourages peer-mentorship and community. BAX arts education centers community, creative choice, collaboration, skill building, performance, and reflection. BAX Studio Classes are taught by a diverse cohort of professional performing artists and educators who draw upon their own embodied experiences, artistic lineages, and inspirations while engaging in BAX’s core educational values to generate a unique curriculum. BAX Performance Workshops offer committed students (grades 5+) a rigorous yet joyful space to take bold creative leadership, develop their choreographic voices, and create original work within a nurturing collaborative ensemble setting.
Ages: 3-18
School Pickups? PS 321 Lower PS 321 Upper PS 130 Lower PS 130 Upper PS 118 PS 39 Brooklyn New School
Costs: BAX offers free trials, scholarships and self-select tiered tuition options. Sibling discounts available. Fall 2025 classes start at $496 for Tier 1 tuition (further subsidized tiers available) at approximately $31/per class.
Hours: 3:30-7:00pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 9:30-11:30am, Saturday
Length: September - February, Fall Semester; February - June, Spring Semester
Additional Information: $15 Off For All PSP Members. Use Code BAX-PSP15. Multi-Class Discount with multiple children and/or multiple classes registration within the same purchase Accessibility: Our teachers are experienced working with children with a variety of physical, cognitive, sensory, and socio/emotional needs and we are committed to collaborating with you to make our programs as accessible as possible. Please note, BAX programming cannot provide 1:1 teacher/student support nor can we support Department of Education SEIT staff involvement. BAX is on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building, accessible by stairs with no lift or elevator. However, we are committed to accessibility and make every effort to help folks with mobility challenges reach our space.
Daruma Martial Arts
Contact: http://www.darumamartialarts.com/ | darumamartialarts@gmail.com | (646) 375-7490
Location: Crown Heights
Description: Develop bodies and minds while growing confidence, discipline and resilience -- all in a supportive, fun space. We offer classes for ages 3-5yrs, 6-8yrs, 9-12yrs, and teens.
Ages: 3 years and older
School Pickups? No
Costs: $35-55 per week, plus $60 uniform
Hours: 3:30pm - 9:00pm
Length: open enrollment year round
Additional Information: We are open for most DOE holidays. Classes vary in length depending on age. Drop off is welcome. We offer adult classes too!
Rock Bands For Kids
Contact: http://www.rockbandsforkids.com | rockbandsforkids@gmail.com | (718) 789-9091
Location: Battalion Studios 175 6th Street b/t 3rd and 2nd Avenues in Gowanus
Description: At Rock Bands For Kids, students explore and perform the music they love!
We keep our band sizes small and prioritize placing kids with other musicians of a similar age, skill set and musical interest. Our students never sit on the sidelines.
Our bands rehearse weekly under the guidance of professional musicians.
We build community at exciting concerts around NYC. We offer our students continuous opportunities to showcase their talent, averaging at least 5 gigs per school year.
Ages: 7-18
School Pickups? We do not offer school pick ups.
Hours: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Length: We offer three sessions per school year. September through December. January to April. April through June.
Additional Information: We offer a 10% sibling discount and a $50 one time tuition credit for Park Slope Parents members.
Bouldering Project Brooklyn
Contact: Website | brooklyn.programs@boulderingproject.com | (929) 515-3405
Location: Gowanus
Description: Connect. Grow. Climb. Call it higher learning. Our after-school programs provide kids a chance to take their first steps into the sport. Our instructors meet kids at their skill level. Watch as they grow and have a blast reaching new heights! Each week, we will introduce climbers to a new concept and grow on the previous weeks’ focus. Students will work on risk assessment, safety, problem-solving, and so much more in a fun, social environment.
Ages: 5-16 years
School Pickups? No pickups
Costs: Packages vary, but everything breaks down to $35 per weekly class
Hours: 4:00pm - 6:00pm M-F, 9:30am - 12:30 pm S-Su
Length: 10-week sessions or continuous enrollment
Additional Information: Enter code SIBLINGS10 at checkout for a sibling discount!
Penguin Coding School
Contact: Website | info@penguincodingschool.com | (339) 235-1605
Location: 424 7th Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11215 (Park Slope); 156 Smith St, Brooklyn NY 11201 (Cobble Hill)
Description: Penguin Coding School teaches coding and STEAM skills to children ages 5-18 in-person and in live online classes.
Penguin Coding School offers classes in Scratch, Minecraft, Robotics, Python, Roblox, Javascript, Java, iOS, and more. We focus on hiring excellent teachers who motivate kids to learn and are passionate about coding.
Our curriculum takes the most interesting professional coding projects and makes them fun and accessible to kids. We welcome all levels of coding experience.
Ages: 5 - 18 years
School Pickups? After School Pick Up Available for Park Slope: PS 321 Upper School, 10, and 107 and Cobble Hill: PS 29, 32, 38, 58, and 261. Pick up is for 3:30 PM weekday classes, $50 per month
Costs: $180 per month
Hours: 3:30pm - 7:00pm (Weekdays), 10:00am - 5:30pm (Weekend)
Length: Classes available September-June with a monthly commitment
Additional Information: Penguin Coding School offers Minecraft programs for ages 6-9 from 9 AM - 3 PM during most school holidays. More details and links to sign up will be posted on our website, penguincodingschool.com.
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Casa Lu Art Space
Contact: Website | casaluartspace@gmail.com | (917) 306-9607
Location: Park Slope
Description: Join our Cooking & Art Spanish Immersion Kids Classes!
Our program alternates weekly between cooking/baking and amazing art projects like painting, collage, and more — always infused with Spanish learning.
Kids enjoy organic snacks, take-home treats in eco-friendly boxes. All materials included.
Each activity is designed to match your child’s age and Spanish level.
A delicious, creative, and language-rich experience every week!
Ages: 5 - 9 years
School Pickups? PS 321 | PS 133 | PS 130 | PS 39 | PS10 | Marry McDowell Friends
Costs: $100 per class each week
Hours: 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Length: September - January
Additional Information: Discounts for siblings
Closed during DOE holidays (Day camps in session.)
We are not a nut-free school. Children with food allergies, please contact us before registering.
We don't have trained staff for children with special needs.
School of Wonder
Contact: Website | hola@theschoolofwonder.com | (917) 864-7948
Location: Prospect Park West
Description: Give your child the gift to play freely and creatively in nature! Wonder Kids shape each day together. Some choose where to explore, practice outdoor and design skills, and learn from local artists. Others create stories through imaginative play in the “Wonder Village” - a whimsical forest near Litchfield Villa. We set up creative stations with costumes, crafts, and games, and they do the rest.
Ages: 5 - 11 years
School Pickups? PS 39 | PS 107 | PS 321 Upper and Lower
Costs: $60/ session
Hours: 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Length: 3 sessions - September-December; January-mid-March; mid-March to June
Additional Information: Discounts for siblings, healthy snack provided, day camps available on DOE holidays, student:teacher ratio no greater than 5:1
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PSJC Hebrew School
Contact: Website | office@psjc.org | (718) 768-1453
Location: 1320 8th Avenue
Description: Community and connection are cornerstones of meaningful Jewish education. With hectic schedules and families being pulled in so many directions, PSJC can serve as a place to meet, learn, celebrate, and act; a community that can remain a home base for your entire family. Students do not just learn about Jewish values, they see how those values impact the spectrum of Jewish practice and living. Whether as class parents, participants in adult education, and as members of the Hebrew School Committee, Jewish education is a lifelong exploration and at PSJC we help our students and their families find access points wherever they are.
Ages: Pre K - 7th Grade
School Pickups? PS10 |PS107 | PS130 and PS154 when staffing allows
Length: September - June
The Craft Salon
Contact: Website | dari@thecraftsalonstudio.com | (917) 324-8290
Location: 1101 Church Ave
Description: The Craft Salon is Brooklyn's Premier Arts and Crafts and Ceramics Studio! We meet every day after school from 3:30 - 5:30 with an option for extended day until 6 PM. Our teachers are all artists and love working with kids. Choose from arts and crafts for grades K - 2 or 3 - 5, or ceramics! All of our elevated projects are carefully planned for each age group. We love crafting with kids!
Ages: Kindergarten - 5th Grade
School Pickups? PS 130 upper and lower schools | PS 889 | PS 230 | PS 139
Costs: $65 - $72 per day
Hours: 3:30 - 5:30pm
Length: September - December, January - June
Other Information: We have mini camps on DOE holidays so when school is not in session, we are!
Textile Arts Center After School
Contact: Website | info@textileartscenter.com | (718) 369-0222
Location: 505 Carroll Street, Brooklyn NY 11215
Description: After School Classes (ages 5-10) are hands-on classes in the textile arts. Our After School program runs from 3pm–6pm Monday through Thursday in Brooklyn (3-4pm is snack and homework time as everyone arrives, 4-6pm is class time). Classes run in 8-week cycles, rotating through Weaving, Printing & Dyeing, Sewing & Soft Sculpture, and Sewing & Fashion. You can try one or all four! Check out our Tweens program (ages 11-14) on Thursdays!
Ages: 5 - 14 years
School Pickups? PS 321: M T W Th | PS 372: M T W Th | PS 133: T W Th | PS 39: T Th | PS 118: W Th | PS 32: M | BCS: M Th
Costs: $600 per cycle
Hours: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Length: 8 - week cycles
Other Information: Sibling Discount: Save 10% off each additional sibling you register at the same time.
Multi-Session Discount: Save $25 off each additional session when you register for them at once.
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The Deliberate Myth Gaming Services
Contact: Website | TheDeliberateMyth@gmail.com
Location: Brooklyn; Manhattan; Greater NYC area
Description: Sick of the real world? Come make your own with The Deliberate Myth's Adventurer's Academy! We run weekly, custom-designed Dungeons & Dragons (and other RPG) adventures that are created for and with your group. We focus on creativity, empowerment, inclusivity, story-telling, and problem solving (with a little bit of math and probability snuck in there!) to create a collective adventure where you get to be the hero you want to be. Best of all? No screens required! Come see why we have been called "...the best option for paid D&D". See you at the table!
Ages: 3rd Grade and Up
School Pickups? Our PAW service (pickup and walkover) is individually determined by each individual player and group situation. There are no inherent restrictions on any specific schools. Please contact us to discuss.
Costs: Once-per-week sessions are $50/session for early registration or $55/session after. See the website for early registration dates.
Hours: Usually 4:00pm - 6:30pm, but flexible as needed
Length: Fall: 9/8/25 to 12/19/25; Winter: 1/2/26- 3/20/26; Spring: 3/23/26-6/25/26
Other Information: Discounts available for new referrals. Every new player that you recommend grants you a stacking 5% discount off your next campaign. If you have special needs, contact us to discuss - we will make every effort to accommodate you. We typically follow the DOE calendar, but additional sessions can be held on DOE closings on a group-to-group basis.
Find PSP Member Reviews here!
Child's Play NY
Contact: Website | emily@childsplayny.com | (347) 759-6313
Location: Brooklyn Heights; Carroll Gardens; Fort Greene
Description: Child’s Play NY theater classes and camps are right for both the child who passionately dreams of being on stage and the one who is simply looking for a joy-filled program! These award-winning theater classes empower young people to develop themselves and their skills. Sessions prioritize courage and compassion through dramatic arts education: students are given free rein to their imaginations and creative impulses while they learn sophisticated technique from professional performers in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Ages: Pre K - 8th Grade
School Pickups? Contact Operations Manager, Emily Tabachuk to discuss pickup possibilities.
Costs: Starts at $1,071/semester
Hours: Varies based on program
Length: September - January, February - June
Additional Information: Frequently Asked Questions, including details about siblings enrollments, additional needs and schedule, can be found on our website: https://childsplayny.com/class-faqs/
Find PSP Member Reviews here!
Piper Theatre Productions
Contact: Website | info@pipertheatre.org | (347) 830-2580
Location: Old Stone House
Description: Piper Theatre Productions Afterschool Adventures invites young artists to step into worlds of magic, mischief, and make-believe this school year, with small, personalized groups led by caring, experienced youth directors. This fall features the world premiere musical Whiskers in the Walls, a whimsical new musical; Winter brings a playwriting intensive for students ready to dream, draft, and stage their own stories; and, coming this Spring, a swashbuckling new play where pirates battle fierce mermaids. At Piper Afterschool, creativity takes center stage, friendships grow, and kids discover their voice as young artists.
Ages: 7 - 12 years
School Pickups? Pick up possible with enough interest. Please inquire.
Costs: $500/10 Week Session
Hours: Thursdays 3:30 - 5:30pm
Length: September - November; January - February; March - May
Additional Information: Siblings receive 10% Discount.
Prospect Gymnastics
Contact: Website | info@prospectgymnastics.com | (718) 484-0911
Location: 1230 Bedford Ave Brooklyn NY 11216; 1023 Church Ave Brooklyn NY 11218
Description: At Prospect Gymnastics, we are passionate about fostering a love for fitness, fun, and teamwork through sports. Our popular weekly classes are back this year at both our 1023 Church Ave and 1230 Bedford Ave locations. Train with our USAG certified coaches who will help your child build skills, gain confidence, and have fun!
Ages: Crawling - Adult
Length: Afterschool Programming from September to June.
Additional Information: We also offer convenient payment plans, Mini Camps for most DOE Holidays and Birthday Parties!
Find PSP Member Reviews here!
Musication
Contact: Website | lessons@musication.nyc | (347) 670-1200
Location: In Your Home
Description: Musication brings after-school music lessons right to your home in Brooklyn. Our warm and talented teachers make learning piano, guitar, voice, or drums fun, while helping kids build confidence and creativity. Lessons are personalized so your child can explore the music they love, without the stress of traveling to a studio. Enroll this fall and make after-school time a joyful, musical part of your family’s routine.
Ages: 4 and up
School Pickups? No
Costs: $68 per lesson
Hours: Anytime that works for you.
Length: We run year round.
Find PSP Member Reviews here!
Story Time Chess (formerly known as Chess at Three!)
Contact: Website | parkslopeclub@storytimechess.com | (332) 230-4500
Location: Park Slope
Description: We teach kids chess through silly stories with memorable characters. We have classes for chess kids of all levels, whether they’re completely new to the game or experienced players hungry for a challenge!
Join us for just chess class or add on Story Time Adventures for a full afternoon of programming! Kids love our educational tabletop roleplaying game, where they create their own heroes and go on adventures that stretch their imagination and problem solving skills!
Ages: 3+ years
School Pickups? PS 282, 321, 133, and Berkeley Carroll; other schools available upon request.
Costs: Starting at $60 per week
Hours: Monday-Friday 3:00pm - 6:30pm; Weekends 9am - 2pm
Length: Rolling enrollment September - June
Additional Information: We offer holiday camps on most DOE holidays!
Find PSP Member Reviews here!
Key Factors to Consider
As you are begin reaching out to programs, here are some considerations when it comes to choosing the right afterschool program:
Basics
- What's the age range of the kids? Will kids get to interact with kids of lots of different ages? Will my child be overwhelmed among older kids or feel like it's a "little kids" program?
- Do they do school pickups from my kid's school or do I need to figure out how to get them to the program?
- Do they have outdoor time/outdoor space?
Flexibility
- Does it fit my needs in terms of days and and times?
- Do they have programs on DOE school holidays that will make it easy to have childcare coverage at the same place (if that's important)?
Communication
- Does the website explain things well so it's easy to figure out things like program details, payments, holidays, and committments?
- Is the program responsive to my questions?
- How communicative are the counselors / administration?
- Do they send updates, closure notices, and other messages in a timely manner?
Cost and Value
- Is it within my budget?
- If I’m trying to save money, what are other areas where I can cut back? Regardless of the cost, is the value for money good?
Creativity and Independence
- Will the program focus on standardized ways of doing things (e.g., lego kits) or foster creativity and exploration?
- Will the program offer opportunities for kids to be independent and learn new skills without constantly being overseen by adults?
Family Needs
- Does the program offer any down time after a busy day at school? Does the program include any unstructured time (ideally outside) where my child can release energy, engage in imaginative play, and benefit from the physical and mental health advantages of not being constantly overseen?
- Does the program included scheduled time to help kids complete their homework so they can relax when they get home?
- Will my child thrive in this environment? Will they feel challenged and learn, or feel despondent and not be able to maintain the attention needed to do well?
- How ok are they with neurodivergent children?
Educational Enrichment
- Does the program offer help with homework?
- Does the program encourage engagement with science, technology, engineering, and math (if that’s important to you)?
- Does the program expose kids to books, art, music, and other creative inspirations and outlets that can support their overall development?
Social and Emotional Development
- Does the afterschool program encourage character building, addressing values such as respect, kindness, and cooperation?
- Does the program offer opportunities for children to play and interact with other kids, or is it child-centered?
- How does the program handle conflict resolution? Does it support kids in learning how to resolve conflicts peacefully?
- What are the rules around smart phone use? Are kids allowed to be on their phones? Are the staff allowed to be on their phones?
Health and Wellness
- Does the program give snacks? Is that important? Are the snacks nutritious?
- Is there any time for the kids to exercise rather than just sit?
- Is there down time to relax and recharge?
Total Package
- If you are signing up your child for lots of different afterschool programs, consider: Is this amount of commitment and enrichment not enough, just right, or too much?
- For the more open ended, hang-out options, do they have some programmed activities (e.g., music Mondays, yoga Thursdays etc.)
- Have you factored in the need for kids to have unstructured play and downtime? Can you schedule in an afternoon so your kids can just go to the park and play (maybe set that up with another family and switch off childcare)?
- Will your kid have fun doing these things? I heard the story of a kid at school pickup yelling at the top of his lungs, "I just want to play with my friends!" That gets hard to do if you are overscheduling your kids so much they don't get to play with friends.
By carefully considering these factors, you can find an afterschool program that provides an enriching and enjoyable environment for your child.
