After school · For parents
7 kinds of after-school programs for elementary-aged kids
Choosing an after-school program comes down to two questions: who looks after your child until you finish work, and what they do in that time. These seven kinds of programs answer them differently.
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1. Before- and after-school care at school
Many elementary schools have a before- and after-school program in the building, so there is no travel. The focus is supervision, play and a snack until parents arrive.
Ask: Who runs it, what are the hours, and is there space this year?
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2. A caregiver at home
A babysitter or nanny meets your child after school. It is flexible and one to one, and what the afternoon looks like is up to you and the caregiver.
Ask: Who covers sick days and holidays, and who does the driving?
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3. Martial arts after-school programs
Some martial arts schools, Dragon among them, pick children up from school, run a class in the afternoon and supervise them until parents arrive. The afternoon includes exercise and instruction, not only supervision.
Ask: Is your child’s school on the pickup route, and what happens between class and pickup?
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4. Sports and recreation programs
Swimming, skating, gymnastics, soccer and other programs run by the town, the city or local clubs. They meet at set times, often once or twice a week, so they add an activity rather than cover every afternoon. A parent usually drives.
Ask: Does the start time work with school dismissal, and who gets your child there?
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5. Music, art and dance lessons
Private or group lessons in an instrument, drawing, dance and similar. They build one skill over time and usually run once a week.
Ask: How much practice is expected at home?
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6. Tutoring and learning centres
One-to-one tutoring or a learning centre for reading, writing, math or homework help. Useful when a child needs to catch up or wants more of a challenge. Sessions are booked at set times.
Ask: How will you see your child’s progress?
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7. STEM clubs
Coding, robotics, LEGO and science clubs. They suit children who like to build and figure things out, and they usually run weekly for a set term.
Ask: What will your child make or learn by the end of the term?
How to compare them
Seven questions help with any program:
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Hours
Does it cover the time from dismissal until you finish work?
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Travel
Who gets your child from school to the program?
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Days off
What happens on PA days, early dismissals and school breaks?
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Homework
Is there time for it, and help?
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Supervision
Who is in charge, and how are staff and drivers screened?
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Screens
Are phones and tablets allowed?
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Cost
Is it charged by the month, the term or the class?
Where Dragon’s program fits
Dragon’s after-school program runs Monday to Friday at the Milton, Oakville and Burlington schools, for children aged 4 to 12, from school pickup until 6:00 PM. Dragon is not a licensed daycare; the program is an alternative families can use for after-school care. It includes:
- School pickup in Dragon’s own vans from select schools in the area. The vans are insured and have in-car cameras. Every driver has passed an enhanced police background check, and drivers are evaluated every year.
- A taekwondo class every afternoon that also covers anti-bullying strategies, online safety and stranger awareness.
- Homework time, with staff help when a child is stuck.
- Team-building activities and time on the indoor ninja course, with no phones or tablets.
Full-time students get free PA Day camps, and full-time and part-time students are picked up on early dismissal days. Milton also opens at 7:00 AM for before-school care.