With over 20 years in the industry, people often ask me, “What is the best type of after-school care?” I immediately respond by asking if they mean after-school “care” or after-school “program”. There is a huge legal and operational difference.

After-school “care” vs “program”

In its simplest form, after-school “care” means the student is being cared for. They are being watched and guarded by a day-care facility that is licensed by the state to perform such duties.

On the other hand, an after-school “program” is an entity that provides training, usually in a specific activity. It is exempt from licensing because it is a “skills-based” program and not a “care-based” one. 

So the first question in determining what is right for your family is to ask whether or not you want traditional care or a skills-based program. Both provide safety, fun activities and supervision. However, only skills-based programs provide specific training and instruction. In today’s market those skills range from gymnastics, cheer, martial arts, to the fine arts.

Because care-based and skills-based programs compete with each other, their costs are typically the same. The cost of the skills-based program may be a little higher due to the added value of the instruction provided, and it may incur added costs such as uniforms and other peripheral items. 

What about school-run after-school care?

Another type of entity has recently emerged: the care that is provided by the schools themselves. These programs are generally operated at the school cafeteria or gym. Their fees may be below those charged by the other kinds of programs.

Even though they are run by the schools, most of these programs are staffed not by teachers, but by third-party contractors. While I cannot say first-hand what actually goes in these programs, I can report that parents who transfer their children from them to SA Kids Karate parents describe the school-run programs as “big kids watching little kids” until their parents pick them up.

Three questions to ask…

With all that in mind, when I answer the question about which type of program is best, I tend to ask the family three simple questions.

1. What do you want your child to be doing?

The first question I ask is, What do you want your child to be doing for the first two to three hours once school is out? Do you want your child learning and participating in some form of extra-curricular activity or do you simply want them kept safe and warehoused until you pick them up.

2. Can you save money?

The second question I ask is financial. “Do you want to combine your child’s after-school time with a skills-based program?” If they are participating in a martial arts program, for example, that you pay for, and if you also pay for after-school care, you may consider combining those two programs into one.

3. Do you want save time?

The third question I ask is about quality to life. “Do you want to pick up your child after work knowing that once home, you no longer have to travel to an additional location for your child’s extracurricular activity?” This goes hand in hand with the last question. Combining programs saves not only money, but also a tremendous amount of time.  Think about it, you arrive home after your child’s after-school martial arts program, and you can be in for the evening!

Other considerations

All options I’ve discussed herehave their place. I have found the best answer can be shaped around your family’s core beliefs. Time and money are extremely important factors. But now, let’s talk about the importance of physical activity and screen time.

If you are concerned about the amount time kids spend in front of screens perhaps a skills-based program that revolves around physical education is a good choice. It will stress the importance of remaining active and healthy. In turn, it will eliminate the amount of time spent in front of a screen developing thumb strength. Programs such as cheer, gymnastics, martial arts, or any other sports-based application will go far in teaching children the importance of health and fitness.

In choosing the best fit for your family it is also important to understand the mission of each program, which includes the underlying culture the program is based in. Visit and meet with the owner, manager, staff, and instructors of each facility you are considering. That will allow for your family to “feel” the personality of each program. You can also check out the level of cleanliness and safety at each place.  

Ask as many questions as possible during your visit. For example

• How long have you been in business?
• What are the qualifications of the staff and/or instructors?
• What training does the staff have?
• Does the staff engage in continuing education regarding policies, procedures, skill sets, and safety?

As you can see, the best type of program is the program that fits your family’s schedule, budget, values, and beliefs.

And remember, you are not simply choosing an after-school program. You are also choosing a partner that should be committed to your child’s success. This partner will be actively involved in shaping your child’s future five days a week. That is a tremendous amount of responsibility. Choose wisely.