Once your child starts school, the childcare puzzle changes shape. School covers the middle of the day, but somebody still has to cover the mornings, the afternoons, the PD days and the drive in between. That's what before and after school care, also called out-of-school care (O.S.C.), is for.
What out-of-school care covers
A licensed out-of-school care program looks after children in kindergarten and grades 1 to 6 outside school hours: before the bell, after dismissal and, at many centres, on school breaks and non-instructional days. In Alberta these programs are licensed and inspected like daycares, and you can look any of them up on the province's Childcare Lookup Tool.
Plan the school run first
The hardest part of school-age care usually isn't the care. It's the travel. Before you compare anything else, ask each centre:
- Which schools do you drive to and from? A great program that doesn't serve your child's school won't work.
- Who drives, and how? Ask about the vehicle, car seats or boosters for younger children, and who signs children in and out.
- What happens on early dismissal days? Pickup times change, and so should the plan.
- Can you pick up from home? Some centres, including Little Otters, offer pickup and drop-off from home, which can take the morning rush off your plate entirely.
What a good afternoon looks like
After six hours of school, children need food, movement and a bit of downtime before anything structured. Ask what the afternoon routine is: snack, outdoor play, quiet space for homework, and activities that feel different from the classroom.
Siblings in one place
If you also have a baby or preschooler, a centre that offers daycare and out-of-school care under one roof means one drop-off, one team and one app for updates. At Little Otters, children can move from infant care all the way to out-of-school care with the same friends and educators.
What it costs
Fees for school-age care work differently from daycare fees, and Alberta's Child Care Subsidy can help eligible families. Our fees and subsidies guide explains the current rules and has a quick funding check.
Looking for before and after school care in Leduc? Check availability and tell us your school, and we'll let you know how transportation would work for your family.
