Before and After School Care for Kindergarteners

Updated November 2026.

Even full-day public kindergarten usually runs from about 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For working parents, that leaves a gap before and after school. The main options are school-based programs, park district or YMCA programs, child care centers that provide transportation, and home-based care such as a nanny or relative.

Here is how each option works and how to choose.

The main options

Programs at your child's school

Many districts host before and after school programs in the school building, often run by the park district, a nonprofit or a private company. Your child stays in one place, which is the biggest advantage. Spots can be limited, so ask early, sometimes as soon as kindergarten registration opens.

Park district and community programs

Park districts and YMCAs often run programs at schools or nearby recreation centers, sometimes with a bus or walking group from school.

Child care centers with transportation

Some centers pick children up from nearby schools and offer homework time, snacks and play until parents arrive. Ask exactly which schools they serve and how they handle late buses and early dismissal days.

Nanny, sitter or relative

Flexible and one-on-one, but you need a backup plan for sick days and vacations. A nanny share with another family can lower the cost.

Illinois rules and ratios

Licensed centers that serve school-age children, including kindergarteners, must follow state staffing rules. For school-age groups that include kindergarten children, Illinois allows up to 20 children per adult, with groups of no more than 30. Some school-based programs run by park districts or schools are exempt from licensing. Ask whether a program is licensed. See licensed vs license-exempt child care.

What it costs

In the 2026 Illinois Action for Children report on Cook County, licensed centers in the north and northwest suburbs charged an average of about $305 a week for before and after school care in June 2025. School-based programs are often cheaper. Ask about:

Separate prices for morning only, afternoon only or both
Fees for early dismissal days, school holidays and winter break
Registration fees and deposits

Before and after school care can count toward a dependent care FSA and the child care tax credit, and CCAP can help eligible families pay for it.

Questions to ask

Is the program licensed, and what is the staff-to-child ratio?
How do children get from school to the program?
What happens on half days, snow days and school breaks?
Is there a snack? Is there homework time?
How much of the day is outdoor and free play?
What time does it open and close, and what are the late fees?
Are kindergarteners grouped with older children, and how are they supported?

Kindergarten-specific tips

Long days are tiring. A 5-year-old in school and after-care may be at it for 10 hours. Look for downtime, not only structured activities.
Practice the route. Walk your child through where to go after the bell.
Label everything. Jackets and lunchboxes travel between two places.
Build in a buffer. Plan pickup well before closing. See daycare hours and late pickup.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sign up for before and after school care?

As early as possible, often in the spring before kindergarten. School-based programs can fill quickly.

Can kindergarteners walk to an after-school program?

Only with an adult or a supervised walking group.

What do kids do in after-school care?

Usually a snack, outdoor play, quiet time, games, art and sometimes homework help.

Is a private kindergarten with full-day care an alternative?

Yes. Some families choose a private kindergarten inside a full-day program, so there is only one drop-off. See private vs public kindergarten.

Full-day kindergarten at Children's Land

Children's Land offers a private kindergarten program within our full-day schedule, Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with hot breakfast and lunch. Ask your nearest location whether kindergarten is offered there, or contact us.

Before and After School Care for Kindergarteners