Children outside school.

School-age programs, also known as out-of-school-time care, offer children engaging learning and recreational experiences in a variety of school- and community-based settings when they are not in school.

Families’ school-age child care needs are often based on their school’s daily schedule and school year calendar. During the school year, families may need care before or after school. During school closures such as holidays, inclement weather, teacher workdays, school vacation breaks, and summer break, families may also need full-day child care.

School-age programs include the following:

  • Before-school and afterschool care
  • School vacation programs
  • Summer camps

Why Choose a School-Age Program?

Families choose school-age programs for a variety of reasons, including the following:

  • Families may need care for children while they work.
  • Their children may enjoy participating in out-of-school time recreational enrichment experiences or summer camps.
  • Families may be looking for structured activities for their children during school closures or during the summer.

Are School-Age Programs Licensed?

Depending on the child care rules in your state or territory, some school-age child care programs must have a child care license to operate while others may be permitted to operate because they are regulated and monitored by another government agency, like the public school or the department of public health, or they are associated with a faith-based organization. In these instances, the state or territory may consider those programs legally “license exempt.”

It is important to review your state or territory child care licensing requirements to see which programs are licensed and find out how programs that are legally exempt from licensing ensure the health and safety of children in care. To learn more about child care licensing requirements where you live, select your state or territory and review the “Understanding and Finding Child Care Resources” page.

In addition to being licensed or legally license exempt, some summer camp programs may also have American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation. Visit the American Camp Association website to learn more about ACA accreditation standards.

Before-School and Afterschool Programs

Families usually seek care before and after school for children up to age 13 years. There are often a variety of options for care before and after school, which may be provided in the following settings:

  • Child care centers
  • Family child care homes
  • Recreation centers, including local parks and recreation programs, karate programs, dance studios, and so on
  • Places of worship
  • Youth programs, including organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers
  • Onsite at local schools

How Do I Find and Choose a Before-school and Afterschool Program?

Children playing outside.

To search for school-age programs near you through your state or territory’s online child care search, go to the "Find Child Care" page and select your state or territory.

In many communities, local schools provide afterschool care or hire another agency to provide onsite care before and after school. These programs are convenient for families since transportation is not needed. Contact your child’s elementary school to find out if an onsite program is available.

To learn more about how to find and choose quality child care, visit the “How Do I Find and Choose Quality Child Care?” page.

Use "Look, Listen, and Ask: Tips for Choosing a Quality Before and Afterschool Program" as a guide to help choose a quality program that is right for your family.

Vacation and Summer Camp Programs

Vacation and summer child care programs usually serve school-age children, although in some areas they may also be available for preschool-age children. These programs provide various activities, such as arts and crafts, swimming, drama, dance, organized sports, and other enrichment activities.

Vacation and summer camp programs are offered in a variety of settings and may be geared to specific interests of children and youth. These may include the following:

  • Child care centers
  • Youth programs, including organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers
  • Family child care homes
  • Recreation centers, including local parks and recreation programs, karate programs, dance studios, theater camps, equestrian camps, and so on
  • Community organizations, such as Girl Scout or Boy Scout programs, specialty learning programs (sponsored by zoos or humane societies), and so on
  • Places of worship or faith-based programs

Many summer camp programs are offered in weekly or biweekly sessions. Some may offer programming for the entire summer, while others may offer programming for only part of the summer.Children playing in playground.

Older children and youth may enjoy participating in residential camp experiences, often called “sleep-away camps.” If you are looking for this type of experience for your child, you can find additional information about selecting a “sleep-away camp” through the American Camp Association.

How Do I Find and Choose a Vacation or Summer Camp Program?

Many states include summer camp programs in their online child care search. To search for summer program near you, go to the "Find Child Care" page and select your state or territory.

The American Camp Association (ACA) also provides a zip-code based search of ACA-accredited summer camps.

Use "Look, Listen, and Ask: Tips for Choosing a Vacation and Summer Camp" as a guide to help choose a quality vacation program or summer camp that is right for your family.