Finding reliable and enriching after school care for your children is essential for working parents. Understanding the costs associated with these programs is the first step in making informed decisions for your family. This guide breaks down the expenses of after school care programs, helping you navigate the options and budget effectively.
| Care type | Hours per week | Cost per month | Cost per school year (Sept. – May) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day care after school program | 25 | $280 – $750 | $2,500 – $6,750 |
| Public school extended day program | 25 | $140 – $400 | $1,300 – $3,600 |
| Private school extended day program | 25 | $200 – $800 | $1,800 – $7,200 |
| YMCA care program | 10 – 25 | $160 – $480 | $1,400 – $4,300 |
| Babysitter | 10 – 25 | $840 – $2,000 | $7,600 – $18,000 |
| Home day care | 35 – 40 | $500 – $800 | $6,000 – $9,600* |
| Full-time nanny | 35 – 40 | $2,300 – $4,300 | $27,000 – $52,000* |
| Nanny-share program | 10 – 25 | $400 – $1,500 | $3,600 – $13,500 |
*Includes school year and summer months.
Decoding Before and After School Care Costs by Program Type
The landscape of after school care programs is diverse, with costs varying significantly based on the type of care you choose. Understanding these different program models is crucial for budgeting and selecting the best fit for your child’s needs and your financial situation.
| Program type | Before school care | After school care | Before & after school |
|---|---|---|---|
| School-aged care at day care/preschools | $150 – $250 | $250 – $650 | $280 – $750 |
| Public school extended care | $75 – $200 | $100 – $320 | $140 – $400 |
| Private school extended care | $120 – $420 | $200 – $500 | $200 – $800 |
| After school babysitter | $160 – $800 | $840 – $1,200 | $1,400 – $2,000 |
| Part-time nanny-share | $400 – $600 | $600 – $900 | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Full-time nanny* | $2,300 – $4,300* | $2,300 – $4,300* | $2,300 – $4,300* |
| YMCA care program | $160 – $300 | $240 – $360 | $240 – $480 |
*Includes watching younger siblings during school hours.
Typically, before school programs are shorter, lasting around 2 hours each morning, while after school programs extend for approximately 3 hours daily after classes dismiss.
Delving into Day Care and Preschool After School Program Costs
For parents already utilizing day care or preschool services for younger children, these centers often provide convenient before and after school programs for school-aged children. Full-time day care for younger children typically ranges from $400 to $1,500 monthly. However, specifically for before and after school programs catering to older children, the cost averages between $280 and $750 per month.
Preschool programs, focused on early education for 3- to 5-year-olds, generally cost $400 to $1,300 per month. Many preschools also offer extended care options before and after their regular hours, incurring additional fees. Free preschool programs are available for qualifying families in numerous states.
Public School Extended Care Affordability
Public school extended care programs stand out as one of the most affordable after school care options. These programs generally cost between $140 and $400 per month for both before and after school care each day. Parents opting solely for morning sessions can expect to pay $75 to $200 monthly, while after school care alone ranges from $100 to $320 per month.
Hourly Rates for After-School Babysitters
Hiring a babysitter specifically for after school care offers a personalized approach. Daytime babysitting rates typically range from $14 to $20 per hour. For families needing overnight care, an overnight sitter generally costs between $75 and $150.
When considering a babysitter for school transportation, ensure they possess a safe driving record and factor in reimbursement for gas and vehicle maintenance.
Nanny Costs for Before and After School Care
Employing a full-time nanny provides comprehensive childcare, encompassing younger children throughout the day and school-aged children before and after school. Full-time nanny services range from $525 to $1,000 per week.
Nanny sharing, where families split the cost of a nanny, presents a more budget-friendly alternative, costing $350 to $600 per week per family.
Home day cares, offering full-day care for infants and toddlers with before and after school care for older siblings, average $125 to $225 per week.
YMCA After School Program Costs
YMCA after school programs are a popular and community-focused option. For before and after school care every school day, the YMCA costs approximately $60 to $120 per week. Part-time schedules are often available at reduced rates.
| YMCA program | Before & after school care | Before school only | After school only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (4-5 days/week) | $60 – $120 per week | $40 – $75 per week | $60 – $90 per week |
| Part-time (1-3 days/week) | $40 – $100 per week | $40 – $55 per week | $35 – $50 per week |
Part-Time vs. Full-Time After School Care Cost Considerations
The frequency of care needed significantly impacts the overall cost. Full-time before and after school programs generally range from $40 to $125 per week. Many programs offer part-time options, accommodating families needing care only in the mornings, afternoons, or specific days of the week.
| Program length | Before & after school care | Before school care | After school care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (4-5 days/week) | $40 – $125 per week | $20 – $60 per week | $35 – $100 per week |
| Part-time (3 days/week) | $24 – $75 per week | $12 – $36 per week | $21 – $60 per week |
| Part-time(1-2 days/week) | $8 – $50 per week | $4 – $24 per week | $7 – $40 per week |
A Detailed Look at After-School Care Cost Factors
Several elements influence the final cost of after-school care, allowing for price variations between programs and locations:
- Hours: Most extended day programs operate from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays. Before school care, typically shorter at 1 to 2 hours, is less expensive than after school care, which generally lasts 3 hours or more.
- Number of Children: Many programs offer sibling discounts, often around 10% for each additional child enrolled, making it more affordable for larger families.
- Location: Off-site after care programs, requiring transportation from school, may include extra charges for pick-up services.
- Quality of Care: Accredited centers, recognized for meeting national quality standards, may command higher fees due to their enhanced programs and staffing.
- Discounts:
- Sliding-scale fees: Nonprofit, religious, and YMCA programs may offer income-based fee structures, making care more accessible to lower-income families.
- Military discount: Military families may qualify for reduced tuition rates as a thank you for their service.
- Pre-payment discount: Some programs offer discounts, up to 5%, for families who pay annual tuition upfront in a single payment.
- Absence and closures: Most programs maintain full fees during child absences due to illness but may offer prorated rates for holiday or vacation weeks.
Understanding After-School Care Fees and Potential Late Charges
Beyond the base tuition, be aware of potential additional fees associated with after-care programs:
- Application/Registration/Enrollment fees: A common one-time fee, ranging from $50 to $125, applies to both new and returning students to cover administrative costs.
- Supply fees: Annual material fees, typically between $50 and $200, cover craft supplies and school materials used throughout the year.
- Penalty fees:
- Late pickup fees: Programs often charge per-minute late fees, from $1 to $2 per minute, for parents arriving after the designated pickup time.
- Late payment fees: Failure to pay tuition on time can result in daily late payment fees, ranging from $5 to $20 per day.
- Returned check fees: Bounced check fees for insufficient funds can range from $25 to $30 per incident.
- Trace fee: Some centers implement a fee to locate a student if their absence isn’t communicated in advance.
- Drop-in fees: Unscheduled, occasional care outside of a regular schedule is usually charged separately as a drop-in fee.
What is Typically Included in After-School Care Programs?
After and before-school care programs offer a comprehensive package, including supervised care, nutritious snacks or breakfast, structured activities, and free playtime.
While before-school programs often include breakfast, after-school programs typically provide a snack.
Many programs enhance their offerings with enriching activities, such as:
- Homework assistance and tutoring to support academic success.
- Art and music programs to foster creativity and expression.
- Technology education to build digital literacy skills.
- Sports and fitness activities to promote physical well-being.
- Clubs and social programs to encourage social development and peer interaction.
Tax Deductions and Financial Aid for After School Care
Navigating the cost of after school care can be eased by understanding available financial benefits.
After school programs can be tax deductible for eligible families through the Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. This credit is calculated as a percentage of childcare expenses based on the family’s gross income, specifically for months when parents are employed and children are in school.
Furthermore, numerous states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont, offer state-level tax credits for working parents, providing additional financial relief.
Utilizing Dependent Care FSA for After School Expenses
After school care expenses are eligible for payment using a Dependent Care FSA (Flexible Spending Account). This allows parents to allocate pre-tax funds to cover before and after school program costs, effectively reducing their taxable income and overall expenses.
Get free estimates from daycares near you.
Essential Tips for Finding and Selecting After School Care
Choosing the right after school care program requires careful consideration. Here are helpful tips to guide your search:
- Seek recommendations from trusted sources like teachers, friends, and family for reliable program suggestions.
- Prioritize licensed programs that align with your required hours and budget.
- Consult online review platforms like TrustedCare and Google to gauge parent satisfaction and program reputation.
- Schedule in-person tours of potential locations to assess indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring they are clean, welcoming, and safe.
- Inquire about class sizes, student-teacher ratios, and the daily schedule to understand the program structure.
- Look for programs offering hands-on, age-appropriate activities, with ample outdoor playtime and nature exposure for holistic development.
- Request parent references to gain firsthand insights into program quality and parent experiences.
- Bring your child along for a visit to observe their interaction with the environment and staff.
Key Questions to Ask When Evaluating Programs
When evaluating after school care programs, ask these crucial questions:
- Are you licensed and accredited, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards?
- Are your teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First aid, guaranteeing qualified and prepared staff?
- What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group, indicating the level of individual attention?
- What are your precise hours and rates, confirming program suitability and cost?
- How much time do children spend in free play and outdoor activities, highlighting opportunities for recreation and physical activity?
- What meals and snacks are provided, addressing nutritional considerations?
- What enrichment programs and activities are offered, showcasing opportunities for growth and development?
- Does your program provide homework help or one-on-one tutoring, supporting academic needs?
By carefully considering these factors and asking informed questions, parents can confidently choose an after school care program that is both financially manageable and enriching for their children.
