According to the Council On International Educational Exchange, a typical school day in the U.S. starts around 7:30 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. A typical workday doesn’t end until 5 or 6 p.m.
After-school programs give working parents the peace of mind that their children are safe and engaged while they’re still at work.
However, the nonprofit Afterschool Alliance reports that more than 25 million children lack access to crucial after-school programs — and they disproportionately come from low-income or minority families.
Need after-school care? You have options
1. Local school districts offer after-school programs
3. Local nonprofit organizations
5. 4-H
6. Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- About the Salvation Army after school programs
- Find out more information about The Salvation Army’s after-school programs:
8. Campfire USA
9. Police Athletic League (PAL)
10. After School All Stars (ASAS)
11. Daycare centers
13. Online after-school programs
14. YMCA before and after care
15. YWCA
Other options for after school activities and care
When can kids stay home alone?
Need after-school care? You have options
Fortunately, there are free and low-cost after-school programs available across the country. Several of these programs offer financial help for qualifying families.
If you’re in need of free or low-cost after-school care, check out these options for working parents and families:
1. Local school districts offer after-school programs
Often the best place to start for free or low-cost after-school care is your own school district. Most public school districts have an established after-school program that also includes before-school care for elementary, middle school, and high school students.
For example, New York City boasts more than 900 after-school programs for K-12 students. Through the city’s after-school system, COMPASS NYC, eligible students benefit from free programs in a variety of locations, from schools and community centers to churches and public housing facilities.
Talk to your child’s principal, teacher, or guidance counselor to learn what after-school care options are available near you.
2. Local governments
Your state, city, county, municipality, or township might also offer free or affordable age-based after-school programs for children of all ages.
In California, for example, Think Together is a nonprofit offering free or low-cost after-school programs across the state, with a focus on academic enrichment and college readiness.
In Orlando, Fla., elementary and middle school students can enroll in an after-school program, get homework help, and participate in activities such as music or dance classes. The Orlando program costs $40 per month, per child, for city residents and $120 per month for non-city residents. Qualifying students can also attend for free.
The Pennsylvania-based Cranberry Township Kids Club offers two hours of care before or after school for K-6 students. It costs $50 to register, then $15 daily for before- or after-school care (if you want both, it is $30 per day, per child). Non-residents pay $17.25 per day or $34.50 for both programs. Payment plans are available and there are discounts for multiple days of care.
Trackers Earth in Portland, Or. offers after-school programs for K-5 students that includes transportation from local elementary schools. Students learn skills like archery, rock climbing, and martial arts and play games and make crafts. Tuition starts at $36 per day for K-1 and $32 per day for grades 2-5.
Boston-based TeenLife provides connections to hundreds of after-school programs for teenagers. Your child can choose from a variety of options from learning a language to playing an instrument. Pricing ranges from free up to $999.
When school is out, many of these programs also offer summer camp or day camp options. Reach out to your local parks and recreation department, city office, or county seat to find resources in your community, or search for their after-school programs.
3. Local nonprofit organizations
Depending on where you live, you might be able to find a nonprofit that offers free or low-cost before- and after-school care.
Kids After Hours, for example, has 26 locations that offer care throughout Montgomery County and Carroll County, Md., for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Care is available from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during weekdays when school is in session. KAH also hosts summer camps. Tuition cost is based on location and how many days your children require care. KAH offers a tuition calculator for budgeting.
How to find nonprofit after school programs near you
If you’re looking for a program like this in your area, try:
- Your child’s school (since some nonprofits partner with school districts)
- Your local library or community resource center
- Afterschool Alliance resource map
- Local religious or community organizations
- Fraternal and civic organizations
You can also search Google for “nonprofit after-school programs near me” to get a quick list of local resources.
4. Local libraries
Many public libraries now offer Homework Help Clubs, STEM workshops, and Arts & Crafts Programs for school-aged children. These options are often free and can supplement after-school care
For example, the New York Public Library (NYPL) has expanded its NYPL After School program to 50 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island for the 2024–25 academic yearTK. This free drop-in program, available Monday to Thursday when school is in session, provides homework assistance, reading suggestions, creative writing resources, and STEAM activities for students aged 6–12.
Other library systems also offer similar programs. For instance, the Free Library of Philadelphia provides the Literacy Enrichment After-School Program (LEAP), which offers homework help, computer literacy training, and multicultural enrichment activities at various locations throughout the city. The Oak Park Public Library in Illinois offers after-school programs for middle and high school students. They have dedicated spaces for grades 6-8 and 9-12, as well as virtual homework help services.
Find after-school programs at your local library:
- Visit your local library’s website or call them directly to inquire about their after-school offerings.
- Check for programs like homework help, STEAM activities, reading clubs, or specific interest groups.
- Ask about any registration requirements or age restrictions for the programs.
- Inquire about the schedule and duration of the programs, as they often follow the academic calendar.
- Look for any special events or workshops that might be offered in addition to regular after-school activities.
5. 4-H
About 4-H
Founded in Clark County, Ohio, in 1902, 4-H is a nonprofit organization available in every state — in rural, urban, and suburban areas. The organization offers in-school and after-school programs for students ages 5-18 at minimal cost to parents. There are no national registration fees, and some program materials are as low as $5. Individual clubs may choose to charge membership fees.
You can choose a 4-H project that fits your family’s budget and suits your child’s interests. For example, you can choose projects for art, science, or healthy living. Children can learn at 4-H clubs or at partner schools when the school day is over.
Find a 4-H in your county
Each 4-H program has its own transportation policy and registration process. Find your local 4-H to get connected.
6. Boys & Girls Clubs of America
About Boys & Girls Club
With over 4,700 clubs nationwide, Boys & Girls Clubs are a valuable community resource for after-school care and summer programs. Most locations serve kids and teens between the ages of 6 and 18.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America offers a safe place for kids to explore their interests after school. Membership fees vary by club, but usually include a one-time registration fee and a weekly cost for your child’s participation. Some clubs offer scholarship programs for a free membership if your child is eligible for free or reduced-price lunches at school.
Some clubs, like the one in Sarasota County, Fla., provide bus transportation between school and local Boys & Girls Club locations. That specific program has fees that start at $50/month.
Boys & Girls Clubs offer the following activities and programs:
- Education
- Arts
- Sports and recreation
- Health and wellness,
- Career readiness
- Character and leadership
Find a Boys & Girls Club
Find a Boys & Girls club near you to inquire about after-school and summer programming, costs, and transportation.
7. Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers and supports a variety of after-school programs. These programs provide crucial academic support, including homework assistance, tutoring, and access to educational resources such as computer labs, all aimed at improving students’ academic performance.
About the Salvation Army after school programs
Enrichment activities form a significant part of the offerings, with children able to participate in diverse pursuits like art, music, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), martial arts, sports, and culinary arts. Physical fitness is also emphasized, as well as arts education, especially in areas where schools have reduced funding for the arts.
To ensure accessibility, some Salvation Army locations provide transportation services, picking up children from schools and even driving them home in the evening. Perhaps most importantly, The Salvation Army is committed to making these services available without discrimination, offering no-fee or low-cost options to ensure that families in need can access these valuable after-school programs.
Find out more information about The Salvation Army’s after-school programs:
- Contact your local Salvation Army center: Call or visit the nearest Salvation Army location to inquire about their specific after-school offerings.
- Use the online locator: Visit The Salvation Army’s official website and use their location finder to identify the nearest center offering youth services
- Attend an information session: Some locations may offer informational meetings for parents interested in their after-school programs
- Inquire about financial assistance: Ask about sliding scale fees, scholarships, or acceptance of childcare vouchers if cost is a concern
- Request a tour: Some centers may offer tours of their facilities and after-school program areas.
- Speak with program coordinators: Contact the youth services or after-school program coordinators directly for detailed information.
8. Camp Fire USA
Camp Fire USA is a national youth development organization that offers a variety of after-school programs designed to help young people connect with nature, each other, and themselves. Their programs focus on creating safe spaces where youth can have fun and be themselves.
Key features:
- School-year programs
- Teen service and leadership opportunities
- Camps and outdoor education
- Inclusive environment welcoming all young people
Camp Fire USA has 1,300 program sites across 24 states, with 46 affiliate locations. Since 2017, they have impacted 613,000 youth and families through 4,600 program sites.
To register or find out more:
- Visit the Camp Fire USA website (campfire.org)
- Use their affiliate locator to find a program near you
- Contact your local affiliate for specific program details and costs
Costs vary by location and program type. Some affiliates offer financial assistance or sliding scale fees to ensure accessibility.
9. Police Athletic League (PAL)
The Police Athletic League (PAL) is a national organization dedicated to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and youth through recreational, educational, and mentoring programs. With over 300 chapters nationwide, PAL serves more than 2 million young people annually.
Key features:
- Recreational and sports programs
- Educational support
- Mentoring opportunities
- Focus on juvenile crime prevention
PAL recently launched a youth mental health initiative and partnered with the Department of Homeland Security for an online safety campaign called Know2Protect.
To register or find out more:
- Visit the National PAL website (nationalpal.org)
- Use their chapter locator to find a PAL program in your area
- Contact your local chapter for specific program information and registration details
Costs vary by chapter and program. Many PAL programs are low-cost or free to ensure accessibility for all youth.
10. After-School All-Stars (ASAS)
After-School All-Stars is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the United States working to close the opportunity gap for low-income youth. They operate at 728 school-year sites and summer camps in 78 cities across the country.
Key program pillars:
- Health & Wellness
- STEM
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Career Exploration
- Academic Readiness
- Mental Health Support
ASAS focuses on providing adult mentorship, social-emotional learning, and safe spaces for students to catch up on schoolwork.
To register or find out more:
- Visit the After-School All-Stars website (afterschoolallstars.org)
- Use their location finder to identify programs in your area
- Contact your local ASAS chapter for registration information and program details
Costs are typically low or free, as ASAS aims to serve low-income youth. They rely on donations and partnerships to keep their programs accessible.
11. Daycare centers
For a fee, many daycare centers provide before and after-school care for elementary school-aged children, as well as transportation to and from school and nutritious meals.
Find daycare near you
To find local centers, you can do a Google search for: “daycare centers near me.” States often provide subsidized child care assistance to families who meet certain income requirements. Search “child care assistance” followed by your state to learn how to apply.
Use Wealthy Single Mommy to find free daycare
Need more help? Try Care.com. When you create a free account, you can search Care.com’s database of reputable daycares and find screened caregivers if you prefer to have in-home after-school care.
A free membership allows you to:
- Search for daycares in your zip code
- View caregiver profiles, certifications, and training
- Post and receive applications for an after-school care job
- Use Care.com tools like hourly rate calculators
A paid, premium membership allows you to communicate directly with caregivers, schedule interviews, and request enhanced background checks for an additional fee. Plans start at $38.95 for month-to-month access, $24.95 per month for quarterly access, or $12.95 per month for an annual plan.
Check out our Care.com review and find reputable daycares and in-home child care at Care.com >>
12. Junior Achievement
About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement (JA) is a nonprofit providing multiple programs taught by trained volunteers in classrooms, virtually, and in after-school locations. The in-school programs are available to K-12 students at no cost. Program sessions vary, ranging from one-day events to multiple one-hour sessions.
JA offers after-school programs that teach children financial literacy, how to start a business, and prepare for a career in their chosen field. Sessions are age-appropriate to meet the needs of elementary, middle, and high school students.
Find a Junior Achievement office
There are over 100 JA locations across the country, some of which offer scholarships for Junior Achievement students. Find your local JA office to learn more.
13. Online after-school programs
If your children are home with you or a caregiver during after-school time, you can sign them up for an online after-school program like Outschool, which has classes that start around $5 per session.
Outschool offers more than 140,000 interactive classes for children ages 3-18. Your child can engage in a variety of activities from learning how to draw to connecting with fellow gamers.
Vetted, experienced educators on Outschool teach small, online group sessions. Classes are available at various start times and days throughout the week. Set up a free account with Outschool.
14. YMCA before and after care
Recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) as an after-school program partner, the YMCA has long been a place for quality before- and after-school care. The organization takes 500,000 children at roughly 10,000 sites each year.
After-school programs are available on site at YMCA locations and at outside organizations. YMCA membership costs and services vary by location, but typically include a one-time registration fee and monthly fee.
Some locations provide bus transportation to or from the YMCA to school for before- and after-school programs. If your program is in your child’s school, YMCA counselors often escort students from their classrooms to the after-school space.
You must be at least 13 years old to have your own membership, but younger children can get access through a family plan.
Find your local YMCA to get after-school care.
15. YWCA
Another great resource for before or after-school care? Your local YWCA. There are over 200 YWCA locations in 45 states and the District of Columbia that partner with schools for after-school care for elementary, middle school, and high school students, but age requirements vary by location.
For example:
- YWCA San Antonio provides after-school care to student in K-5
- YWCA of Central Massachusetts has a Learning 4 Fun after-school program that serves students 5-12 years old
- YWCA of Western New York offers after-school learning programs for student in K-12
YWCA before and after-school programs require registration and payment. Each location determines its own costs. Contact your local YWCA for specific pricing.
Find your nearest YWCA
The YWCA primarily places its staff in schools to help parents who need transportation after school. But after-school services vary depending on the location. Find your local YWCA to inquire about before and after-school programs.
16. Girls Who Code Clubs
Girls Who Code is a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by providing free after-school programs for girls in grades 3-12 to learn coding and computer science skills. These clubs offer an excellent opportunity for single moms raising tech-savvy kids to introduce their daughters to the world of coding in a supportive environment.
Key features of Girls Who Code Clubs:
- Free after-school programs
- Open to girls in grades 3-12
- Focus on coding and computer science skills
- Welcoming to students of all gender identities
- Curriculum covers various programming languages like Scratch, Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Find a Girls Who Code club:
- Visit the Girls Who Code website (girlswhocode.com)
- Use their Club locator to find a program near you
- Click “Get In Touch” and contact the Club Facilitator
17. The Homework Club
Found in many states, these programs provide structured spaces where kids can complete homework with tutoring support. Many are free or low-cost through libraries or community centers.
For example, the Kenilworth Recreation Center in New Jersey offers a structured Homework Club for grades 6–8, providing daily supervision, tutoring, and enrichment activities. In New York City, the New York Public Library (NYPL) runs the NYPL After School program, which provides free drop-in homework help for children ages 6–12 at over 50 library branches throughout the city. In California, the LOT318 Homework Club offers tutoring and academic support with donated supplies and resources, serving students in the Placentia area.
How to find a Homework Club near you:
- Check local schools: Many schools host Homework Clubs as part of their after-school programs. Contact your child’s school office or visit their website to inquire.
- Visit local libraries: Libraries often provide free or low-cost homework help through Homework Clubs or tutoring programs. For example, the New York Public Library offers free drop-in homework help at various branches.
- Explore community centers: Community recreation centers or organizations like the YMCA may run Homework Clubs as part of their youth programs.
- Search online: Use search engines with terms like “Homework Club near me” or include your city/state for localized results.
- Contact national organizations: Programs like Boys & Girls Clubs of America offer homework help through initiatives like “Power Hour,” which may serve as a Homework Club in your area.
Other options for after school activities and care
Thinking about your child’s interests can help you pursue other options for after school activities and care. For example, dance academies like Dance to Unite in NYC work with local schools to provide a dance program during the week.
Some ideas to help you find the right fit:
- School clubs: If your student participates in clubs, the program may have after school options to help them develop their interests
- Community clubs: Similar to school clubs, except offered by civic organizations, nonprofits, churches to engage youth in educational and extracurricular activities
- Sports: Sports leagues may offer after school clinics to practice skills
- Hobbies/Gaming: Look into groups that help your child gain mastery of gaming or a hobby that offer after school care
- Tutoring: If your child needs guidance with school subjects, a homework club or tutor could be a good option after school
- Learning a skill: Some groups may offer training on how to code speak a language, or another skill that interests your child
- Mentoring: Older children who like helping younger kids can look for programs where they can mentor youth after school
For military families: Childcare Aware
Childcare Aware is a great resource to locate affordable child care programs in your area, including those that participate in state subsidy programs. They provide tools to help single parents navigate child care costs.
For kids with special needs: Easterseals after-school programs
Many Easterseals locations provide after-school care tailored for children with disabilities or special needs. These programs often include social skill-building and recreational activities.
Easterseals offers after-school programs tailored to children with disabilities, with costs and financial assistance varying by location. For instance:
- Easterseals South Florida provides free after-school and summer camp programs for children with autism and other developmental delays.
- Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio offers no-cost after-school programs to families who qualify for TANF benefits, such as Ohio Works First, SNAP, or Medicaid.
Some programs may offer financial assistance or operate on a sliding scale based on income. For example, Easterseals Redwood‘s Medical School-Age Child Care Program provides tailored care and education for children, with the possibility of receiving services at no cost for those with medical needs.
Given the variability in program offerings and funding sources, it’s a great idea to contact your local Easterseals affiliate to inquire about specific after-school programs, associated costs, and available financial aid options in your area.
When can kids stay home alone?
After school programs are a great way to support children’s development while you are working, and there are many affordable or free options available. However, depending on your child’s age, you may also be wondering if staying home alone is an option.
Legal age to stay home alone by state
Few states have laws that define the minimum legal age for a child to be at home alone such as Illinois (14 years old), Maryland (8 years old), and Oregon (10 years old).1
A source for legal resources and information advises:2
- Don’t leave children 7 and under home alone for any reason
- Children 8-10 should not be left alone for more than 1.5 hours and only during daylight or early evening
- Children 11-12 may be left alone for up to three hours but not late at night
- Children 13-15 may be left alone but not overnight
- Children 16-17 can be left alone, even overnight but not for more than two nights
To get clarity on state child protection laws, and to learn ways to keep your children safe at home, contact your state child welfare agency:
In Washington, D.C. you can contact the Child and Family Service Agency for help.
If your child is a teenager, consider allowing your child to go home alone after school. Of course, many factors come into play to determine if that’s a good decision for your family, such as:
- State laws about children being left alone at home
- Safety of your neighborhood and relationships with neighbors
- Maturity of the child being left alone and likelihood of obeying rules for safety
- Whether your child is responsible enough to keep track of your house key
- Child’s comfort level with being left alone
If you are considering sending your child or children home after school with adult supervision, here are some guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Emergency plan: Have a plan in place with emergency contacts, supplies, first aid, and what you expect your child to do when an emergency arises
- House rules: Establish what you child can and can’t do when at home such as studying, gaming, cooking, having friends over, or going outside to play
- Entering/leaving the house: Talk with child about how to safely enter the house, including how to disarm or set an alarm
- Contact plan/check-ins: Figure out how you want your child to communicate (phone call, text, app, etc.) and share that plan so he or she knows what is expected
It’s a good idea to do a test run and quiz your child on what to do in different scenarios. You can start with allowing them to be alone for an hour and build until both of you are comfortable.
Check out more helpful and free resources for low-income families:
- “Leaving Your Child Home Alone” US Department of Health and Human Services Child Welfare Information Gateway https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/homealone.pdf
- “When Can You Leave A Child At Home Alone? FindLaw https://www.findlaw.com/family/parental-rights-and-liability/when-can-you-leave-a-child-home-alone-.html
