Before- and after-school programs are designed for children who need
only a few hours of care during weekdays. Typically, these children are in
primary grades (1 through 6) and need supervision before school starts or after
it is over. These programs may be in private homes, schools, youth centres such
as the YMCA, churches, or child care centres where younger children spend the
entire day.
Some provinces license before- and after-school programs. All staff
of these programs, such as child care providers, cooks, and housekeepers, are
usually required to have completed certain types of training.
Most after-school programs offer a wide variety of activities for
children of all ages and interests. Some programs offer special activities,
such as gymnastics. You can learn about what is offered in your area by talking
with other parents, consulting the phone book, and contacting local
child-related organizations.