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School Aged Care

School Aged Care

School-age programs provide children and youth with a place where they can “hang out” in a safe environment as well as learn and develop important social skills.

There are two types of child care for school age children: licensed child care and exempt programs.

Licensed child care programs follow standards set by the Department of Early Learning regarding safety. The program is responsible for the child’s welfare while the child is there. The program will have specific goals and activities for the children. Families register for the program and children are only allowed to leave the care facility with an authorized adult. These programs are eligible to accept DSHS payments for the care provided. You would need to verify with the program if they would accept the DSHS payments.

Exempt programs follow general “house rules” set by the individual program. Children to not necessarily have to be registered to attend the program and they are able to freely come and go. The program does not assume responsibility for the child’s welfare. Program activities are set day to day and do not follow specific goals.

Where can I find before or after school care or summer programs?

Child Care Resources’ referral service can help you search for programs for school age children. For more information on our service options, click here.

Afterschoollearning.org is another resource for many different types of after school activities.

Community programs such as the YMCA, YWCA, the Boys and Girls Club and your local Parks and Recreation departments often provide programs for school age children.

Local newspapers and magazines, such as Seattle’s Child, often publish lists of summer programs.

Transportation

One of the most challenging parts of school age care is how your child will get from the program to school and back to the program. School districts offer transportation for schools within a certain area and many school age programs can use the school bus. Also some programs will provide the transportation themselves. If the school district or the program does not provide the transportation you will be responsible for arranging transportation for your child. Click here to connect with your local school district.