Working parents must overcome significant odds with regard to childcare. Not only must they pay big bucks, they must also make sure their kids are safe and well cared for, too. Once those kids are school aged, the dilemmas ease up a bit. That’s when many parents opt for after school programs. Their kids are in safe hands and engaged in fun and even educational activities. The following are the best after school programs in Maine.
Serving between 50 and 60 schools in the state, Mad Science of Maine offers after school programs that make science fun. The programs are available for Kindergarteners through fifth graders, and is broken up into three eight-week sessions throughout the school year.
The YMCA in Bangor offers after school programs for kindergarteners through middle schoolers. Swimming, sports, games, arts & crafts and more keep kids learning and having fun, while they are in the care of trained employees.
Skillin Elementary School is the site of a before and after school program run by the City of South Portland. It is for elementary aged children and includes games, sports and crafts.
The Challenger Learning Center of Maine offers after school programs for children in grades 2-5. The program topics vary and are education based. The STEM programs fill up fast, so contact the center for more information and to get your child on the list.
Serving the greater Augusta region, MIKA’s Awesome After School and Summer Camp Programs takes a huge weight off working parent’s shoulders. Designed for ages 5-12, kids engage in martial arts, dance, tumbling, outdoor sports and a wide range of educational options.
The South Portland Community Center offers after school care for elementary school aged children. The children can swim, play basketball, and engage in activities designed to encourage good social behavior.
Kids in both Westbrook and Gorham elementary schools love the after school programs at Westbrook’s Awesome After School and Summer Camp Program. In addition to dance, sports, cheer and martial arts classes, there is free transportation from their school each afternoon.
STRIVE is an after school program for elementary through high school aged kids with disabilities. An extension of their learning day, they focus on activities like cooking, visiting local sites of interest and playing games. Parents can arrange for after school pickup, too.
The City of Brewer Parks and Recreation Department offers excellent after school programs for children in Kindergarten through sixth grade. K-4 meets at the Brewer Auditorium, while grades five and six meet at Brewer Community School. Activities include active gym time, games, creative projects, arts and crafts and more. Sign up in late May or early June for the following fall.
Currently the Alfond Youth Center has room for 250 children in the after school program run in conjunction with the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs. A renovation is underway, which will soon allow as many as 500 children to attend from schools in the greater Waterville area. Programs are for kids in Kindergarten through Grade 5, and include sports, swimming, dance, gymnastics, games, crafts and more.