Finding the right after school care program in Toronto is essential for working parents. The City of Toronto offers structured and engaging After School Recreation Care (ARC) and Community Leadership After School Program (CLASP) programs to support families and keep children active and learning after the school day ends. These programs, run by Toronto Parks and Recreation, provide a safe, fun, and enriching environment for children and youth.
Toronto’s after school programs operate from September to June, aligning with the school year. Specifically for the 2024-2025 year, programs run from September 3, 2024, to June 20, 2025, Monday to Friday, excluding PA days, school holidays, and statutory holidays. The program typically runs from school dismissal until 6 p.m., though some locations may end slightly earlier at 5:40 p.m.
Registration for these popular programs is crucial and operates on a seasonal basis. Fall session registration usually kicks off in June, while winter/spring session registration begins in December. A significant benefit is that registering for the fall session guarantees your child’s spot for the subsequent winter/spring session, ensuring consistent care throughout the school year.
The after school care programs are offered at a competitive rate of $3.15 per day for the Fall 2024 session and $3.26 per day for the Winter/Spring 2025 session. Registration is based on five days per week to provide consistent scheduling for families. The total cost for the entire 2024/2025 year amounts to $585.18, broken down into two payments:
| Session | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fall (September 3 to December 20, 2024) | $233.10 |
| Winter/Spring (January 6 to June 20, 2025) | $352.08 |
While online registration is a convenient option, scheduled payment options are available only through telephone-assisted or in-person registration with a Client Service Representative, offering flexibility for payment arrangements.
Age Requirements for After School Programs
The City of Toronto’s after school programs cater to different age groups with two distinct programs: ARC and CLASP.
After School Recreation Care (ARC)
The ARC program is designed for younger children, with specific age criteria:
- Minimum Age: Children must be in grade one or six years old by the first day of the program to be eligible.
- Maximum Age: The program is for children who are 12 years of age or younger on the first day of the program.
Community Leadership After School Program (CLASP)
CLASP is tailored for older children and youth, with the following age guidelines:
- Minimum Age: Participants must be 10 years old by the first day of the program.
- Maximum Age: The CLASP program accommodates youth up to 15 years of age on the first day of the program.
Fee Assistance for Eligible Families
The City of Toronto is committed to making these programs accessible to all families. Through the Welcome Policy, financial assistance is available for families with lower incomes, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate in after school care programs.
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Understanding the withdrawal and refund policy is important for parents. If you need to withdraw your child from the ARC program, follow these steps:
- Obtain a Withdrawal Form from the ARC Program Coordinator at your child’s program location.
- Submit the completed form to the on-site Coordinator or via email to [email protected].
- Ensure you submit your withdrawal request at least two weeks prior to the intended withdrawal date.
Refunds and credits are calculated proportionally from the date the withdrawal request is received. Please note that a $13 administration fee is applied per person, per program withdrawal. The date the City receives the withdrawal notice is considered the official withdrawal date, regardless of your child’s last day of attendance.
For any refund inquiries, written requests are required. You can also call 416-396-7378, and select option 1 for further assistance.
Enrolling your child in a Toronto after school care program provides not just supervision, but also opportunities for growth, learning, and fun in a structured and supportive environment. With various locations across the city, finding a convenient and enriching program for your child is within reach.
