Considering Child Care Options

Posted on 08/01/2016

Before and After School Child Care Programs in Seattle Public Schools

Ninety three percent of SPS elementary schools have on-site care programs.

Programs offer fee-based before and after school, school break, and (usually) summer care for elementary school-aged children. Many also offer preschool for 3-5 year olds (full day or part day).

These school-based programs are operated by licensed community care providers or Seattle Parks and Recreation/ Associated Recreation Council.

Some programs are nationally accredited for high quality by the National Afterschool Association (NAA), National Council on Accreditation-After school (COA) or the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Why choose a school-based child care program?

Schools and programs work together to support children’s learning and development through their alignment partnerships.
All programs reinforce learning through play-based activities.
All programs offer reading and/or homework support.
Pre-K programs help children get ready for school.

Before and After School Programs

See a list of before and after school child care providers in Seattle Public Schools.

For information on other programs call Child Care Resources at 206-329-5544 or visit their website at www.childcare.org.

Need help paying for child care?

Call 206-386-1050, City Dept. Education and Early Learning (DEEL) Child Care Assistance Program www.seattle.gov/education/child-care-and-preschool
Call the Parks community center for scholarship information. Visit the Seattle Parks and Recreation webpage for contact information.
Talk to the program provider about scholarship possibilities.

What’s program accreditation?

Accreditation means a program has completed a rigorous self-study to ensure meeting high quality program standards, and an endorsement visit by a national accreditation organization.

Accrediting organizations include:

National Afterschool Association (programs serving school-age children)
National Association for the Education of Young Children

Need transportation to a program near the school?

Talk to the our transportation office at 252-0900 to explore options.

Looking for middle school after school programs?

Talk to your school about after school programs and community learning centers 
Contact teen services at Parks Community Centers, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, cultural organizations, etc.