Back to School: Care Options for Your School-Aged Child

Just a generation ago, many school-aged children let themselves into the house every afternoon courtesy of a key worn around their neck.

Fortunately, the days of latch key kids are over.

While Illinois law states children under the age of 14 are not allowed to stay home alone for an unreasonable length of time, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services does take exception with time after school. In other states, 12 is the acceptable age but even then, depending on the maturity and circumstance of the child, many families wait a year or two.

So what’s a working parent to do? Rest assured. Patch is here with some after school care options to give you piece of mind, and more importantly keep your kiddies safe, entertained and engaged.

Offers care and transportation for students before and after school. Once homework is completed, students can hone their social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills through the Center’s Catch the Wave program. Don’t worry about school holidays and Teacher’s Institute Days—the Center aligns their calendars to match those of area districts.

• Days and hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Transportation: Via 14-passenger school buses to and from .
• Ratio of Teacher/Students: One teacher per 20 school-aged children, ages 5 to 12.
• Activities: Homework Center; music, culinary, language enrichment activities; games; special activities, programs and field trips centering on holidays and special occasions.
• Registration: Open-door policy encourages parents to tour the facility and meet staff before registration. There's a one-time registration fee.
• Additional Info: Breakfast is served to children enrolled in “before school” care, after school snacks as well as a late snack are served after 5 pm. For registration, fees and policies, visit their website. There are four KinderCare locations in Tinley Park.

Tutor Time Child Care and Learning Center

of age appropriate fun and engaging experiences. Students are encouraged to complete homework first then choose from various activities or the freedom to “chill” with friends. A virtual tour is available on line. The center is located on 183rd and 80th Avenue.

• Days and hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Transportation: Via 14-passenger school buses to and from Tinley area schools.
• Ratio of Teacher/Students: One teacher per 20 school-aged children, ages 5 to 12
• Activities: Variety of age appropriate activities for students, including weekly investigations, group book discussions, board games and outdoor playtime.
• Registration: Open-door policy encourages parents to tour the facility and meet staff before registration. A virtual tour is also available online. One time registration fee. 
• Additional Info: Breakfast served to children enrolled in “before school” care, after school snacks as well as a late snack served after 5 pm. Visit their website for registration, fee and center policies.

Ivy League

Ivy League’s team of professionals offer after school care for students enrolled in Kirby District 140 schools. Students have the convenience of attending programs situated within their own schools.

• Days and hours: Monday through Friday on days schools are in session, after school to 6:30 pm
• Transportation: None. Ivy League programs are scheduled at Kirby District 140 schools.
• Ratio of Teacher/Students: One teacher per 10 school-aged children, ages 5 to 12.
• Activities: Homework help, group games, variety of board games, arts and crafts, free play.
• Registration: Download a registration form on the website. Flyers are distributed through Kirby District 140 schools.
• Weekly fee: $30/student
• Additional Info: After school snacks and drinks provided.
  

The Bridge Teen Center

Located in Orland Park, this nonprofit community center strives to bring quality programs and activities to teens (ages 13 to 18, or grades 7 through high school) throughout the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana. Their programs center on five different categories, or buckets: Everyday Life, Community Connections, Educational Support, Mind/Body, Expressive Arts.

• Days and hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 2-6 pm; Friday 7:30-10:30 pm
• Transportation: None available at the moment, but bike racks are provided outside the facility
• Ratio of Adults/Students: One adult for every 5 junior high school age students; one adult for every 10 high school age students
• Activities: Tutoring and homework support, college and career prep, Friday night concerts, music lessons, video editing, cooking classes, self-defense and much more!
• Registration: All activities are free with student membership application on file
• Additional Info: Healthy snacks and drinks available at cost. School ID needed to check out game equipment.

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