Finding reliable and enriching after school care programs in Broward County is crucial for working parents. Broward County Parks and Recreation has been a cornerstone of the community for over three decades, offering exceptional, free after-school and summer recreation programs. These programs are designed to provide a safe, supervised, and stimulating environment for children, ensuring their holistic development.
Broward County’s commitment to its young residents is evident in these long-standing initiatives. Originally launched in 16 parks within unincorporated areas, these vital programs have adapted and continue to thrive in six key parks within what is now known as the Broward Municipal Services District. This district, an 11.5-square-mile area in central Broward, benefits from the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ dedication to providing essential services like parks and libraries. The parks currently hosting these invaluable after school care programs include:
- Boulevard Gardens Community Center
- Franklin Park
- Lafayette Hart Park
- Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park
- Roosevelt Gardens Park
- Sunview Park
These strategically located parks ensure accessibility for families within the Broward Municipal Services District seeking quality after school care.
Comprehensive After School and Summer Program Schedules
Understanding the needs of busy families, Broward County Parks and Recreation offers flexible scheduling for both their after school care and summer programs. Operating Monday through Friday, the After-School Program accommodates various school schedules:
- Regular School Days: 2 PM to 6 PM
- Early Release Days: 12 PM to 6 PM
- Teacher Planning Days & Holidays: 9 AM to 5 PM
The Summer Recreation Program extends the fun and learning throughout the summer break, running from 9 AM to 5 PM. To further assist parents with diverse schedules, both programs provide early drop-off and late pick-up options, making them incredibly convenient and supportive after school care programs in Broward.
The After-School Program follows the Broward County Public Schools calendar, running from late August to early June. Seamlessly transitioning into summer, the Summer Recreation Program begins just a week later and continues for eight weeks. This thoughtful scheduling ensures continuous care and engagement for children throughout the year, minimizing disruption for families relying on after school care. While initially designed for children aged 6 to 17, programs have evolved to cater to specific neighborhood demographics. For instance, Boulevard Gardens now focuses on ages 6 to 10, while Sunview specializes in serving teenagers aged 13 to 17, showcasing the adaptability of these after school care programs to community needs.
Enriching Activities and Special Events
Broward County’s after school care programs go beyond basic supervision, offering a wide array of activities designed to enrich children’s lives. Daily activities, varying by park location, encompass:
- Arts and Crafts
- Cultural Programs
- Fishing Clinics
- Fitness and Sports
- Game Room Activities
- Guest Speakers
- Nutrition and Safety Programs
- Water Safety Instruction through SWIM Central
These diverse activities ensure that children are engaged, learning, and developing new skills in a fun and supportive environment. Optional field trips, requiring nominal fees, further enhance the program, offering excursions to bounce house centers, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and Broward County’s own water parks during the summer months. These outings provide exciting and memorable experiences for participants in the after school care programs.
Special events play a significant role in broadening children’s horizons. The After-School Program incorporates celebrations of national observances like Hispanic Heritage Month, Martin Luther King Day, and Black History Month, fostering cultural awareness and appreciation. Furthermore, the annual spring Arts Exhibit & Talent Showcase, a collaboration with the county’s Cultural and Libraries divisions since 2015, provides a platform for children to display their creativity and talents. The Summer Recreation Program culminates in the highly anticipated Broward Star Time Talent Show, a 27-year tradition showcasing young performers in vocals, dance, instrumentals, and more. These special events highlight the commitment of Broward County’s after school care programs to holistic child development, nurturing both skills and self-expression.
Nourishment and Community Support
Recognizing the importance of nutrition, the Summer Recreation Program has integrated free meal services from its inception, thanks to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program. Free lunches and snacks ensure children receive essential nutrition during the summer break, supporting their physical and social development and preparing them to return to school ready to learn. This commitment to well-being underscores the comprehensive nature of Broward County’s after school care programs.
For parents seeking exceptional and free after school care programs in Broward County, Broward County Parks and Recreation provides an invaluable resource. With a focus on safety, enrichment, and community, these programs offer a positive and nurturing environment for children to thrive. Contact the parks directly to learn more and enroll your child in these outstanding programs.
