Find Your Afterschool Program Now

August is here and our thoughts turn to the new school year. We know where our children will be during the day, but what about after 3 PM?

There are many things to consider: Does your child require a special needs program? Would you prefer that your child be included in a mainstream neighborhood center? How will your child get to that program? How will your child get home?

It is important to know that non-religious afterschool programs are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act and are required to make reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities. As the parent, you can often tell the program what works best for your child to be successfully included. You also know whether or not your child needs a more structured special needs program.

Finding the right program
There are many different types of afterschool programs and many ways to locate them. Here are some good resources:

• If your child has a developmental disability, you can contact your local Developmental Disability Service Office (DDSO). Each office can provide you with a "Guide to Family Support Services" that will include the special needs afterschool and weekend programs. Click on the links below or call to contact your borough's Developmental Disabilities Services office:
  • Bronx: (718) 430-0752
  • Brooklyn: (718) 642-6520
  • Manhattan: (212) 229-3122
  • Queens: (718) 217-5722
  • Staten Island: (718) 982-1904

• Search for mainstream programs in your neighborhood on the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) website, or give them a call at (800) 246-4646

• Find a program through the Partnership for Afterschool Education (PASE) or call PASE at (212) 571-2664

• Call the NYC Child Care Information Hotline at (888) 469-5999

• Search the RCSN Resource Directory -- and make sure to use the "ADD A RESOURCE" tool if a great afterschool program you know isn't listed
  
  
• Contact us here at RCSN for help from one of our caring, knowledgable advocates

Transportation
If your child is normally transported home from school, fill out a PM Drop-off Form (which you can get from your school's Parent Coordinator), to give the school permission to drop your child at the afterschool site. You will probably have to pick up your child from his or her afterschool site, although some afterschool programs do provide transportation home.

The early bird catches the afterschool program, so don't wait until the first day of school to look for an afterschool program! Begin your search during the summer and both you and your child will be happy you did.