School Age Child Care

After school child care programs offer an organized, informal, and non-scholastic program of activities appropriate to the age, needs and interests of the children. The program should combine recreational and social activities.

Children enrolled in kindergarten through age 12 may be cared for in a day care center, a family/group family day care or a registered after shcool program. Only a registered after school program may take children ages 12 through completion of high school.

If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding the care your child is receiving or if you need child care for your school age child, please contact our Referral Department at 845-473-4141, x221 or e-mail services@childcaredutchess.org

What to consider when choosing a child care program:

Choosing the best care for your child can be a difficult task. Research the different types of child care (family, group family, center or school age) and decide which type best fits the needs of your child and family. You may want to check out more than one type of care. Then decide where the care should be located (closer to home or work?).

Visit the website, if applicable.

If the child care has a website, some basic information can be ascertained.

Once you have some of your basic questions answered, a visit to the child care is imperative.

Visit the child care facility and consider the following:

Is the program safe, clean and free of health hazards?
Is there enough room for children to play indoors and outdoors?
Is there a variety of activities that seem appropriate for my child's age group:
Is the children's work displayed?
Do the caregivers appear happy, knowledgeable and friendly?
Are the caregivers interacting with the children in a positive way?
Are there enough caregivers to supervise the children?
What are the policies and procedures?
Is there a contract? If so, does it fit with my needs?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the care your child is receiving or if you need additional information about child care, please contact our Referral Department at 845-473-4141, x221 or e-mail services@childcaredutchess.org