Are you looking for engaging and safe after school programs for your children in Toronto? The City of Toronto offers excellent After School Recreation Care (ARC) programs, designed to provide enriching experiences for children right after school hours. These programs are a fantastic way to ensure your child is active, learning, and having fun in a structured and supportive environment.
Toronto’s ARC programs are tailored for children in Grade 1 up to 12 years old, with two distinct age groups catered to: ARC for younger children and CLASP for older kids. These programs run throughout the school year, from September to June, offering a consistent schedule from school dismissal until 6 p.m. on weekdays. This makes them an ideal solution for working parents needing reliable after school care.
Understanding ARC and CLASP Programs
The After School Recreation Care (ARC) program is designed for children in Grade 1 or who are six years old by the program’s start date, up to 12 years old. For older children, the Children’s Leisure After School Program (CLASP) is available for those aged 10 to 15 years old by the program start date. Both programs focus on providing a range of recreational activities that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction among peers.
Registration for ARC Programs: Key Dates and How-To
Registering your child for an ARC program is essential to secure a spot. Typically, registration for the fall session begins in June, and for the winter/spring session, it starts in December. Enrolling in the fall session often guarantees a spot for the winter/spring session, ensuring consistent care for your child throughout the school year.
You can register for these popular programs through the City of Toronto’s online registration system, which offers a convenient way to browse and enroll in programs from the comfort of your home. Alternatively, for those who prefer in-person assistance or telephone support, registration can also be completed with the help of a Client Service Representative. It’s recommended to check the official City of Toronto Parks & Recreation website for the most up-to-date registration start dates and specific instructions.
Program Schedule, Costs, and Payment
Toronto’s ARC programs follow the school year calendar, running from early September to late June. Specifically for the 2024-2025 year, programs are scheduled from September 3, 2024, to June 20, 2025, operating Monday to Friday, excluding PA days, school holidays, and statutory holidays. The program runs from school dismissal until 6 p.m., although at some locations it may conclude slightly earlier at 5:40 p.m.
Registration is based on a five-day-per-week commitment, with fees set at an affordable daily rate: $3.15 per day for the Fall 2024 session and $3.26 per day for the Winter/Spring 2025 session. The total cost for the entire 2024/2025 year is $585.18. Payment schedules are divided into two sessions: Fall (September 3 to December 20, 2024) for $233.10 and Winter/Spring (January 6 to June 20, 2025) for $352.08.
While full upfront payment is common for online registration, scheduled payment options may be available through telephone-assisted or in-person registration, allowing for payment arrangements to be made with a Client Service Representative.
Fee Subsidies and Withdrawal Policy
Understanding the costs of childcare, the City of Toronto offers a Welcome Policy to provide financial assistance to eligible residents. This fee subsidy is available for individuals and families with lower incomes, making recreation programs more accessible. You can find detailed information and application procedures for the Welcome Policy on the City of Toronto’s website.
Should you need to withdraw your child from an ARC program, it’s important to follow the correct procedure. Withdrawal requests require completing a Withdrawal Form, available from the on-site ARC Program Coordinator or by contacting [email protected]. To ensure a prorated credit or refund (minus a $13 administration fee), the withdrawal request must be submitted two weeks prior to the intended withdrawal date. The effective withdrawal date is the date the City receives your notice, regardless of your child’s last day of attendance.
Toronto’s After School Recreation Care programs offer a valuable service to families, providing enriching and affordable after school care options. With structured activities, convenient scheduling, and accessible registration, ARC programs are an excellent choice for Toronto parents.
