A Place to Be a Kid Outside of School
School-age children spend a large portion of their day following schedules, completing assignments, meeting expectations, and navigating the demands of school.
When they come to Explore More, we want them to have something a little different.
Our before and after school program provides children with a safe, familiar place where they can connect with friends, make choices, explore their interests, move their bodies, create, relax, and simply enjoy being kids.
Before School
Mornings can be busy.
Our before-school program gives children a place to ease into their day before heading to school.
Depending on arrival times and the needs of the group, children may have opportunities for breakfast, quiet activities, games, books, conversation, or free play before preparing for the school day.
Our goal is to create a comfortable transition between home and school rather than adding more pressure to the morning.
After School
After spending hours at school, children often need time to decompress.
Some children want to run and move.
Some immediately find their friends.
Some want to create something.
Some need a snack and a little time before they're ready to do much of anything.
Our after-school environment gives children appropriate choices about how they spend their time while teachers remain available for supervision, conversation, support, and connection.
Free Time Has Value
As children get older, their schedules often become increasingly structured.
School. Sports. Activities. Homework. Appointments.
We believe there's value in having some time that isn't directed by an adult.
School-age children benefit from opportunities to decide what to play, develop their own games, negotiate rules with friends, work on creative projects, build, read, talk, move, imagine, or simply relax.
That doesn't mean our teachers are uninvolved.
It means we recognize that children don't need every minute of their day planned for them.
Friendships & Belonging
Friendships become increasingly important during the school-age years.
Our program gives children opportunities to maintain friendships, develop new ones, navigate disagreements, practice communication, and experience being part of a community outside of school.
Teachers are available to help children work through conflicts and provide guidance when needed while also recognizing their growing ability to solve problems independently.
Independence With Support
School-age children are capable of increasing levels of responsibility and independence.
We encourage children to care for their belongings, make appropriate choices, participate in routines, advocate for their needs, contribute to the program environment, and solve age-appropriate problems.
As children grow, our role begins to shift.
We're still there when they need us but we're also willing to give them the space to discover just how much they can handle themselves.
Movement & Outdoor Time
After sitting and concentrating throughout the school day, children need opportunities to move.
Outdoor play and active experiences give children a chance to run, climb, play games, explore, socialize, and release some of the energy they've been holding onto throughout the day.
Whenever conditions allow, outdoor experiences are an important part of our school-age program.
School Transportation
Transportation arrangements depend on the child's school, current transportation options, and program availability.
Families interested in before or after school care should contact Explore More regarding transportation arrangements for their child's specific school before assuming transportation is available.
School Closures & Schedule Changes
Care on school vacation days, teacher workshop days, early-release days, snow days, and other school closures may vary based on the Explore More operating calendar, staffing, enrollment, and availability.
Families should refer to current program communication for information about care outside of regular school days.
Staying Connected With Families
Even as children become more independent, communication with families remains important.
Explore More uses Brightwheel for family communication, announcements, and other program information.
If something important happens during your child's time with us, we'll communicate with you — and we encourage families to share information that may help us better support their child.
Childhood Doesn't End When School Starts
School-age children may be older, but they're still children.
They still need movement, they still need imagination, they still need friendships, they still need trusted adults, they still need opportunities to make choices, explore interests, laugh, create, and play, and sometimes, after a long school day, they just need somewhere they can exhale.
That's what we want Explore More to be.
Interested in Before & After School Care?
School-age availability and transportation options may vary throughout the school year.
Visit our Enrollment section to learn more about tuition, availability, and applying for care.