5 Tips for Choosing the Right After-School Program in Orlando
Once the school dismissal bell rings, what’s next? After-school programs can be a huge help for working families—and a great way for kids to explore new interests, complete their homework, and burn off some energy. But not every program is the right fit for every child. These tips can help you choose the after-school program that’s best for your family.
After-School Program Tips
1. Know Your Child’s Needs and Interests
Start with what your child enjoys and what they need most in the afternoons. Do they crave movement and active play? Or do they need a calm space to unwind? Some kids thrive in creative programs like art or theater, while others may benefit from academic support or structured homework time. Picking a program that matches their personality and goals can make all the difference.
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
2. Ask About Staff and Supervision
Who will be caring for your child? Look for programs that are staffed by trained educators, caregivers, or coaches with experience working with kids. Don’t be shy about asking questions about background checks, certifications, staff-to-child ratios, and how behavior issues are handled.
Many after-school programs are busy and handling multiple tasks at the same time, still you should be able to ask questions without feeling pressured or that your concerns are an inconvenience. If you don’t feel 100% comfortable, it may be best to find a different option.
Research by David S. Fleming, Professor of Education and Department Chair at Clemson University, found that the most effective after-school programs are those with:
- clear goals
- structured routines
- qualified staff
- consistent student attendance
3. Consider Safety and Convenience
Safety and logistics matter. Make sure the location is secure, pick-up procedures are clear, and the hours actually work with your family’s schedule. Some programs offer transportation from school, which can be a big time-saver.
Think ahead about who will be on your approved pick-up list and confirm with the program what procedures are in place to ensure safety, specifically regarding pick-up. If grandparents are available to assist be sure they are informed and check to see what information is needed, and consider saying thanks with a visit to these places for grandparents in Orlando.
4. Visit in Person if You Can
A quick site visit can tell you a lot. Are the kids engaged and happy? Do staff members seem calm, attentive, and involved? If a visit isn’t possible, ask if trial days or short-term options are available before making a full commitment.
Seeing the facilities is really helpful if you’re selecting a program with lots of physical activity. Which by the way, is a great choice because, according to the World Health Organization, out-of-school-time (OST) activities are a key avenue to supplement youth physical activity (PA) levels. Research has shown that PA taking place after school hours achieves 36% of the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) per day.
5. Read the Fine Print
Before enrolling, take a look at the details—like monthly costs, late pickup fees, payment policies, and cancellation terms. Make sure you understand how sick days, early dismissals, and holidays are handled. A little planning now can help you avoid surprises later.
