Locating an After-School Program

• Your Local School – A formal program might already be in place, or officials could point you in the direction of other options in your community.

• The State Department of Education – By fall 2002, these offices will be the conduit for distributing grants for 21st Century Community Learning Centers. State officials have lists of active after-school programs in your area.

• Municipal Offices/Town Hall – Most communities track the availability of programs in the area or know of unique programs offered by the city or town.

• Your Local Recreation Department – Many communities have after-school programs, summer camps, vacation camps and early-release-day options.

• Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies – Most of these agencies have lists of licensed programs in your area.

• The YMCA and Boys and Girls Club – These organizations offer fee-based after-school and drop-in programs of all sorts. Some organizations have needs-based scholarships and sliding-scale fees to help all families afford programs. Most also offer vacation programs and summer camps.

• Local Churches, Synagogues and Temples – Most religious organizations offer some form of programming after school.

See also:

• After-School Programs for All (main article)

• After-School Programs that Work

• Resources

From United Parenting Publications, August 2002