Before and after care are essential for many families. It simply is not possible in some situations to get a child to school right when it begins and make it to pickup at the end of the regular school day. If your family needs more time in the mornings and/or evenings, before and after school care can help. There are a number of criteria to consider as you look at options for before and after school care.

How long will your child stay there?

Get clear on your schedule before you dig into specific before and after school care programs. Do you need to drop your child off early? How early? Do you need to have more time in the afternoon/evening? How much time? It is essential to come up with answers to these questions before you start the search for a before and after school care program. Each program is unique and may have different hours and policies. If a program does not offer care when you need it, there is no reason to waste your time exploring other elements of the program. You can start finding programs that could potentially work once you know how long your child will need care.

What are the logistics of getting your child there?

The logistics of getting your child to and from before and after care is the next factor to consider. Convenience is a big factor when it comes to getting out of the house in the morning and back home at the end of the day. You also need to consider how your child will get from before care to school and from school to after care. These logistics are something you will have to deal with day in and day out. Be sure and make a choice that provides you with the convenience you need. The ultimate inconvenience is when you can find a before and aftercare program through the school that your child attends.

What type of care is provided?

The type of care your child will receive in before and after school care is another important factor to consider. Do you want your child to be in a program that is a continuation of the learning that happens in the classroom? Do you prefer a program that is more like daycare? It is possible to find a before and after school program that provides the type of environment you want for your child.

How much does it cost?

Cost is a factor to consider as you look for a before and after school care program. There is no way to get around the fact that there is a cost for this extra care. It is important to find the program that is the best fit for your child but you also need to choose one that works financially for your family.

The before and after school care options in the area span the gamut from strictly childcare to programs that are an extension of the classroom. Using the criteria outlined above, you can narrow down the options and find the right before and after school care program.