School-age care programs provide care before school, after school, and during summer and holiday breaks.
Use Child Care Check to find programs near you that are licensed by DCYF.
There are many kinds of school-age programs, and not every program is right for every child. It is important to learn about programs and visit them to find the best one for your family.
Licensed Care
DCYF licenses school-age care programs to make sure they follow state health and safety rules. To find licensed school-age care, visit Child Care Aware Washington or call 1-800-446-1114.
Recreational (Unlicensed) Care
Some school-age programs do not need a license. These often include programs run by local parks and recreation departments. Other types of unlicensed recreational programs include:
- Art, music, and theater programs
- Sports leagues
- Recreational groups
- Cultural and social activities
- Tutoring and enrichment programs
- Community service projects
- Leadership programs
Your local school district, parks and recreation department, or other community groups may offer both licensed child care and unlicensed recreational programs.
School-age programs give children time to:
- Make friends
- Build positive relationships with adults
- Grow confidence
- Learn how to solve problems and handle conflict
Choosing an after-school program is an important decision for you and your child. This guide can help you find quality care and learn about help paying for child care:
You Have a Choice! A Guide to Finding Quality Child Care:
English | Spanish | Somali
School’s Out Washington is a nonprofit organization that helps make sure children and teens have safe places to learn and grow when they are not in school.
It supports quality after-school programs across the state. Any program that serves children ages 5 to 18 outside of school hours can receive support.
Visit School’s Out Washington to find out more.
