Before and after-school care can be a helpful option for families who need care outside of regular school hours. For working parents and caregivers, these programs can provide children with a safe, supervised place to spend time before school begins or after the school day ends.
Before and after-school programs can look different depending on the school, child care provider, and child’s age. Some may include time for homework, indoor and outdoor play, creative activities, socializing with friends, or simply relaxing after a busy school day.
For families in Potomac, understanding who these programs are designed for and what they may offer can make it easier to decide whether before or after-school care is right for their child.
Before and after-school care provides supervision for school-age children outside of their regular school hours.
Before-school care typically takes place in the morning before children go to school. Depending on the program, children may have time to eat breakfast, play, read, or participate in a quiet activity before the school day begins.
After-school care begins after children finish their regular school day. Children may have time to transition out of school, have a snack, complete homework, play, participate in activities, and socialize with other children.
The exact schedule and offerings vary by program, so parents should ask about the daily routine when considering a program for their child.
Before and after-school care is generally designed for children who need supervision before or after the regular school day.
It can be particularly helpful for families whose work schedules do not line up with school hours.
Families may consider before and after-school care if:
Programs may serve different age groups, so families should check the specific ages and enrollment requirements for the program they are considering.
Every program is different, but after-school care such as in Potomac schools generally gives children a combination of structured activities, free time, and opportunities to interact with other children.
Depending on the program, children may have opportunities to:
Some after-school programs provide time for children to work on homework or reading. Having a designated period for schoolwork can help children establish a predictable after-school routine.
Parents should ask whether homework support is part of the program and what level of assistance staff are able to provide.
After spending much of the day in a classroom, children often benefit from time to play and interact with their peers.
This might include board games, building activities, imaginative play, outdoor recreation, or other age-appropriate activities.
Children may have opportunities to draw, make crafts, build projects, or explore other creative activities.
Creative time can give children a chance to use their imagination and pursue interests that may not always fit into the regular school day.
Depending on the setting and schedule, children may have opportunities for outdoor play, movement games, sports, or other physical activities.
This can give children a chance to move around and release some energy after sitting in a classroom.
Not every part of the afternoon needs to be structured. Children may also benefit from quieter activities such as reading, drawing, puzzles, or independent play.
A balance between active and quieter periods can help children transition from the school day into the rest of their afternoon.
Mornings can be challenging for families who need to leave for work before their child’s school day begins.
Before-school care can provide a consistent place for children to go rather than requiring parents to coordinate multiple caregivers or transportation arrangements.
Depending on the program, children may have time to eat breakfast, read, play quietly, or spend time with other children before heading into the school day.
For children, having a predictable morning routine can also make the transition into school feel more manageable.
Because programs can differ significantly, parents should learn as much as possible about the specific program they are considering.
Questions may include:
These questions can help families determine whether a program fits their child’s needs and their daily schedule.
For more assistance, visit: Questions to Ask a Childcare Center in Maryland Before You Enroll
Before and after-school care can provide more than simply filling the hours before or after school. Depending on the program, children may have opportunities to complete homework, play, socialize, explore interests, get active, and enjoy time outside of the traditional classroom.
At the same time, every child and family has different needs. Some children may enjoy a busy afternoon filled with activities, while others may need more time to relax and play independently.
When considering before and after-school care, focus on finding a program with a schedule, environment, and approach that works for your family and gives your child a comfortable place to spend time outside of the regular school day.
To learn more, explore:
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
