After Hours
Flexible evening care for families needing extended coverage.
Key components:
- Safety and supervision: Certified staff, appropriate child-to-staff ratios, secure sign-in/out, and lull routines.
- Routine structure: Dinner or a snack, calm activities, quiet play, rest/quiet time for younger children, and transitional activities to help children wind down.
- Sleep considerations: For centers offering overnight care for very young children, dedicated napping/rest areas, age-appropriate sleep routines, and safe sleep guidelines.
- Activities: Quiet games, storytelling, crafts, low-energy activities, supervised indoor/outdoor play when appropriate.
- Branding and policies: Clear guidelines on drop-off/pick-up times, late pick-up fees, health and safety policies, and emergency procedures.