After School Care Options at Your Local Daycare 90492
Most households picture daycare as a place for children and toddlers, yet the hours after the school bell rings matter simply as much. Those 2 to 3 hours between pickup and dinner can either be chaotic logistics, or a stretch of time that supports knowing, friendships, and sanity in the house. The right after school care program at a regional daycare bridges that space. It gives children a safe, familiar environment and offers moms and dads breathing space without sacrificing quality. I've assisted set up programs inside preschool and early learning centre settings, and I have actually seen how the best ones work: they stabilize structure with flexibility, academics with play, and neighborhood with clear expectations.
What "after school care" looks like inside a regional daycare
After school care inside a childcare centre feels different from a school-run program. You walk in and see mixed-age groups, more youthful siblings in toddler care spaces nearby, and educators who understand families throughout age levels. The ambiance is homier. Lots of daycare centre teams have early childhood training, so their method leans toward social-emotional development, gentle transitions, and hands-on knowing instead of extended classroom time.
A common schedule runs from school termination to about 6:00 or 6:30 p.m. Buses or daycare vans bring trainees straight from nearby schools, or personnel meet a walking group. Children sign in, wash hands, get a snack, then move into a mix of research assistance, creative tasks, outside play, and calm-down time. The very best programs correspond in their circulation, yet flexible sufficient to accommodate piano lessons, late pickups, or a child who requires a peaceful corner after a difficult day.
Parents often browse "daycare near me" or "preschool near me" and assume those results don't use as soon as their child strikes kindergarten. They do. Ask your local daycare how they manage after school look after ages 5 to 12 and what schools they serve. Certified daycare programs should follow ratios, safety procedures, and staff credentials that perform to school-age care, which licensing foundation matters.
The advantages no one need to gloss over
Three things identify whether after school care works for a family: trust, regular, and worth. Trust isn't constructed on shiny brochures. It comes from basic things succeeded. The van leaves on time. A teacher texts if a child does not board. A scraped knee is cleaned, documented, and described at pickup without drama. I have actually watched one centre, The Learning Circle Childcare Centre, win over skeptical moms and dads by publishing their transportation log where anyone might see it, every day, with initials and timestamps. Transparency diffuses worry.
Routine is the glue. Children who originate from a structured school day do not require more rigidness, they require predictable flexibility. Programs that dependably use a snack at the same time, a block for research or reading, and after that open-ended play, tend to see fewer habits missteps. Kids understand what comes next, staff can prepare meaningful activities, and moms and dads stop thinking whether mathematics sheets got finished.
Value appears in little methods: a staff member who knows your child's friend's name, a weekly club that really sticks, or a calm handoff so evenings aren't thwarted. Spending for care from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. should feel like more than childcare. The right childcare centre near me can become a partner in parenting, not simply a location to park backpacks.
Transportation that actually works
School termination time is busy, and transportation makes or breaks after school care. If a daycare centre provides pickup, ask for specifics. Which schools do they serve? What is the threshold for cancellations on snow days or late buses? Is there a buffer for early terminations? I've seen programs keep a printed and digital roster per path, with color-coded tags that hold on backpacks. When a child has piano on Tuesdays, the tag toggles to a various color so the driver knows not to wait. Easy systems decrease last-minute panic.
Distance matters too. Under 3 kilometers, walking groups can work with 2 staff for approximately 15 to 18 kids, depending upon licensing. Over that, buses or vans are more secure and frequently faster. If your regional daycare partners with a transport supplier, inspect the agreement terms: backup vehicles, chauffeur background checks, and communication procedures if a path is delayed. You want text notifies before you begin worrying.
One neglected trick: staggered arrival zones inside the centre. Younger kids go straight to the treat table, older children who prefer quiet can check out a research space, and the rest drop bags and head to the courtyard. This keeps the corridor from turning into a tangle of boots, coats, and emotions.
The treat belongs to the curriculum
I reward snack as a program element, not an afterthought. Children show up hungry and wired, and a balanced treat resets the afternoon. A licensed daycare generally follows nutrition guidelines, which helps. Rotations I've seen work well consist of yogurt with fruit, whole-grain crackers with cheese, hummus and veg sticks, and a sweet treat once a week. Water is always offered. If allergic reactions remain in play, clear signage and staff training avoid mistakes.
Snack time is also social time. Put personnel at the table, not simply behind a counter. Discussion opens the door to check-ins: How did the discussion go? Anyone need assist with the science fair board? You hear who had a rough recess, who didn't finish lunch, and who can not wait to show the LEGO strategy he sketched in his notebook.
Homework assistance that respects boundaries
Parents disagree on homework. Some desire it done before pickup. Others prefer kids rest and surface in your home. The very best after school care programs mention their technique upfront. A common and reasonable policy: offer a peaceful, monitored homework block for about 30 to 45 minutes, with check-ins for understanding but not full-on tutoring. Personnel can direct time management and assist children ask excellent concerns without solving the task for them.
In practice, I have actually seen performance spike when kids self-select into among 3 zones: deep focus at a research table, light reading on floor cushions, and no-work play in the makerspace. Versatility minimizes conflict. If a child invests the school day masking and requires play to decompress, requiring worksheets can backfire. On the other hand, some children yearn for the relief of finishing research before basketball practice. Clear choices and a kind nudge usually do the trick.
Clubs and jobs that make kids want to come back
An after school program grows when children feel pleased with what they do there. Turning clubs help. Think chess, gardening, novice coding on tablets, drama video games, or a "travel kitchen area" where each week explores a new country's snack. Keep clubs short - 4 to 6 weeks - and cap sizes so every child participates. Usage affordable materials: cardboard, duct tape, paper circuits, yarn, and donated puzzles. Set an objective, like a gallery walk for households, a small competition, or a planted herb box that goes home over summer.
The finest tasks span age groups. One centre paired Grade 1s who enjoy drawing with Grade fives building a cardboard city. The younger kids designed storefronts, older kids engineered the supports, and everybody named streets after their family pets. It looked disorderly for a week, then it clicked. After that, attendance during project days jumped, and habits problems dropped.
Indoor and outdoor play, even when the weather is stubborn
Movement matters. Many daycare centres operate in structures with minimal fitness center space, so creativity helps. Mark a "movement loop" inside the hallway with tape, include yoga cards in a peaceful corner, and rotate simple devices like dive ropes, soft dodgeballs, and hula hoops. If you have access to a school play area or a fenced yard, 30 to 45 minutes outside modifications the state of mind for the rest of the afternoon. Cold weather does not cancel outside time unless it's unsafe. Post a clear policy with temperature and wind chill thresholds, then advise families to leave hats and mittens in the cubby. The program can keep a bin of extra gloves for the unavoidable I forgot mine.
Structured games decrease friction. Staffed stations avoid the timeless soccer game from swallowing the whole early child care services group. A staff member can run a quick round of capture the flag, then transition to free play. Children who choose quiet can dig in the sandbox or read on the bench.
Safety and licensing, without the jargon
"Accredited daycare" appears on sites, but households deserve more than a label. Licensing implies a childcare centre satisfies state or provincial requirements around background checks, personnel ratios, first aid certifications, indoor and outdoor space, and emergency situation strategies. For after school care, it likewise dictates sign-in and sign-out treatments, transport policies, and incident reporting. Ask to see the emergency situation flip chart. Ask where medications are stored and who is trained to administer them. Confidence grows when these systems are clear and visible.
Behavior guidance policies matter too. The best centres focus on proactive methods: foreseeable regimens, favorable reinforcement, and coaching kids through disputes. If a program just discusses punishments, keep looking. Personnel needs to be comfy with de-escalation methods and know when to loop in moms and dads. A short everyday note or fast at-pickup chat frequently avoids bigger problems later.
What to expect from staffing
Good after school care relies on constant faces. High turnover agitates children. Look for a childcare centre where school-age staff are scheduled mainly in the afternoons, not mixed between toddler care and school-age rooms every day. Numerous early knowing centre teams carry qualifications that surpass the minimum for school-age care, which displays in the quality of interactions. Inquire about ratios. For school-age groups, anything between 1:12 and 1:15 is common, with lower ratios for mixed-age settings or when volunteers are not present.
Professional development is a green flag. If staff attend workshops on inclusive practices, neurodiversity, or culturally responsive programming, your child benefits. At The Learning Circle Childcare Centre, for instance, the team blocked one afternoon a quarter to run mock emergency drills, revitalize first aid, and swap curriculum ideas. It sounds simple, but those sessions tighten up teamwork and sharpen judgment.
Pricing, aids, and what "worth" truly means
Rates differ by area. In lots of cities, you'll see after school care priced weekly or month-to-month, with discount rates for siblings. Some centres consist of non-instructional days and early dismissals in the base fee, others charge a day rate. Before comparing numbers, line up what's consisted of: transportation, treat, clubs, homework support, and care on school closure days. Subsidies and cost decreases may use, especially when the program falls under early childcare funding streams or is incorporated with a broader childcare program.
Value likewise shows up in flexibility. If your schedule is unpredictable, ask about drop-in areas, makeup days, or part-week options. Not every childcare centre can accommodate this, but it is worth asking. If you take a trip for work, a centre that can take care of siblings throughout age groups, from toddler care to school-age, reduces the psychological load.
How to pick the best regional daycare for after school care
Families generally start with proximity. Searching "daycare near me" or "childcare centre near me" gets you a list, not clarity. Schedule check outs. See the transition window between 3:15 and 3:45 p.m. That is when issues surface area. Are kids greeted by name? Do personnel manage pickups without raised voices? Is the space set up for movement and quiet zones? Tidiness matters, however lived-in is normal at this hour. You desire safe and organized, not sterile.
Here is a brief checklist you can take on your trips:
- Transportation plan and schools served, including late bus protocols and communication methods
- Snack menu and allergy policy, plus where and how food is prepared
- Daily flow from arrival to pickup, with clear homework, club, and play options
- Staff ratios, training, and how frequently your child will see the exact same adults
- Policies for habits, medications, and emergency situation circumstances, revealed to you not simply stated
Trust your child's read. If they leave a trip thrilled to return, that is a signal. If they cling and ask to go home, that is also information, though first-day jitters are normal.
Making it work for children with different needs
After school care must serve the range of personalities and finding out profiles you find in any classroom. Children who are neurodivergent or who have sensory requirements might need adjustments: noise-canceling earphones in the homework room, a visual schedule on the wall, or consent to pull out of group video games without pressure. Ask how the centre teams up with families to build accommodations. A five-minute chat at pickup can head off a crisis tomorrow. I've seen success with an easy "first-then" card for shifts: first treat, then 10 minutes in the quiet nook. Over a few weeks, independence grows.
For children finding out English, mixed-age programs can be a property. Younger kids are often patient conversational partners, and clubs use hands-on contexts that do not rely greatly on language. Staff needs to model inclusive language and watch for exclusionary inner circles. That belongs to the work, not an aside.
What a strong day looks like, start to finish
A snapshot from a well-run program:
3:00 p.m. The bus gets here with 18 kids from 2 schools. A team member checks each child off the lineup. One child is absent due to a dental practitioner appointment. Moms and dad text validating pickup is logged.
3:10 p.m. Kid wash hands, then treat. The menu: apple pieces, cheddar, crackers, and water. Personnel sit with the children, asking about a book fair and a soccer tryout. A child discusses a mathematics test tomorrow; the planner notes it and recommends the homework table later.
3:30 p.m. Movement break outdoors. Tag in the backyard, chalk drawings on the pavement, and a reading bench in the shade. Two kids choose to do a quick craft inside with a staff member because they are tired of the wind.
4:00 p.m. Option time. Homework room is quiet with soft lights and clipboards. Makerspace opens with cardboard and tape. The drama club practices a spoof for next week's family showcase. An employee distributes, helping a child outline a persuasive paragraph without composing it for them.
5:00 p.m. Tidy up and reflective circle. Kids share wins: "I completed my reading log," "Our bridge held three books," "I tried the function of storyteller today." Urgent notifications are shared with personnel and kept in mind for families at pickup.
5:10 to 6:00 p.m. Calm play, puzzles, drawing, and parlor game as households trickle in. Personnel provide quick updates: "He ate well and worked on math. He seemed tired at 4:30, so we moved him to the reading corner."
Everything in that circulation is intentional. The staff aren't simply passing time. They are curating an afternoon that keeps kids safe, engaged, and seen.
Working alongside schools, not against them
Coordination with schools turns a good program into an excellent one. When a daycare centre keeps open lines with instructors, it learns about early terminations, class projects, and behavior goals. We kept a basic shared note pad that went back and forth with permission from parents. A message might read: "Focusing on kind words this week. Please strengthen with positive pointers." In the after school setting, we might offer low-stakes practice and add a note back: "Fantastic progress today during soccer, praised for welcoming a peer to join."
Libraries and community centers likewise make strong partners. A month-to-month visit from the curator with a pop-up book cart or an art instructor donating remaining supplies from a workshop adds richness without major cost.
Summer, breaks, and the continuity advantage
One perk of selecting a local daycare for school-age care is continuity. When school is closed for winter season break or summer, the same centre likely deals full-day care. Children currently know the area and the staff, so transitions are smoother. Preparation for these periods takes forethought: families desire school trip, water days, and larger tasks. If you're vetting a centre, ask how they scale for full-day programs, staffing, and the ratio of structured activities to downtime. Charges may differ for these days, and areas fill fast.
The function of community and culture
A childcare centre belongs to an area. After school programs that show local culture feel rooted. That might appear like a Lunar New Year craft table with a moms and dad volunteer, a Diwali rangoli task led by a grandma, or a music day where children bring a favorite tune from home. Keep it respectful, never ever tokenizing. Ask, do not assume. Children discover when their household traditions appear authentically.
Community likewise means sensible policies. If a storm hits and traffic snarls, a grace period for pickup charges shows compassion. If a household loses work hours, a short-term payment plan can keep a child registered. These are organization decisions, yes, however they likewise signal values. Word takes a trip fast about who deals with households fairly.
How a centre like The Knowing Circle approaches after school care
Centres vary, and specifics shift with time, but programs that earn trust share characteristics. The Learning Circle Childcare Centre, as one example of a local daycare technique, concentrates on three pillars for school-age: safety, autonomy, and enrichment. Safety shows up in noticeable, practiced regimens. Autonomy shows up in choice boards and child-led clubs. Enrichment appears in partnerships with regional artists, gardeners, and coaches who run mini-series without turning after school into more school. You see the difference in the way children arrive. They drop their bags, scan the room for where they wish to begin, and dive in.
When families try to find a daycare centre or early knowing centre that grows with them, they often worth programs that can cover years. Starting in toddler care, moving through preschool, and continuing into after school care, the relationship deepens. Staff know a child's peculiarities, strengths, and triggers. That connection pays off during the wobbly months of very first grade, the vibrant moments of third grade, and the almost-too-cool phase of 5th grade.
Red flags to enjoy for
A fast care list can save headaches later. If you hear staff referring to kids as "bad" rather than explaining behavior, pause. If you see a pattern of late departures on bus runs without a plan to fix it, press for answers. If your child's valuables go missing weekly, storage systems might be weak. If interaction is one-way and protective, not two-way and solution-focused, think about other options. After school care need to feel like a partnership.
Getting started
Reach out to a few regional choices. Go to throughout the after school window if possible. Ask your school's workplace staff where most families go, and why. If you already have a more youthful child registered in a daycare centre, see how their school-age program fits your older child's character. Factor in commute, cost, and how you feel throughout and after the tour. The right fit reduces everyday friction and includes an encouraging layer to your child's world.
Families don't require perfection. They require trusted individuals, clear regimens, and a location where their child belongs from the minute the final bell rings until they leave the door, snack-stained and smiling, ready to head home. That is the guarantee the very best after school care programs inside a local daycare deliver, day after day.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre – South Surrey Campus
Also known as: The Learning Circle Ocean Park Campus; The Learning Circle Childcare South Surrey
Address: 100 – 12761 16 Avenue (Pacific Building), Surrey, BC V4A 1N3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-385-5890
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.thelearningcirclechildcare.com/
Campus page: https://www.thelearningcirclechildcare.com/south-surrey-campus-oceanpark
Tagline: Providing Care & Early Education for the Whole Child Since 1992
Main services: Licensed childcare, daycare, preschool, before & after school care, Foundations classes (1–4), Foundations of Mindful Movement, summer camps, hot lunch & snacks
Primary service area: South Surrey, Ocean Park, White Rock BC
Google Maps
View on Google Maps (GBP-style search URL):
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The+Learning+Circle+Childcare+Centre+-+South+Surrey+Campus,+12761+16+Ave,+Surrey,+BC+V4A+1N3
Plus code:
24JJ+JJ Surrey, British Columbia
Business Hours (Ocean Park / South Surrey Campus)
Regular hours:
Note: Hours may differ on statutory holidays; families are usually encouraged to confirm directly with the campus before visiting.
Social Profiles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelearningcirclecorp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlc_corp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelearningcirclechildcare
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus is a holistic childcare and early learning centre located at 100 – 12761 16 Avenue in the Pacific Building in South Surrey’s Ocean Park neighbourhood of Surrey, BC V4A 1N3, Canada.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus provides full-day childcare and preschool programs for children aged 1 to 5 through its Foundations 1, Foundations 2 and Foundations 3 classes.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus offers before-and-after school care for children 5 to 12 years old in its Foundations 4 Emerging Leaders program, serving Ecole Laronde, Ray Shepherd and Ocean Cliff elementary schools.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus focuses on whole-child development that blends academics, social-emotional learning, movement, nutrition and mindfulness in a safe, family-centred setting.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and is closed on weekends and most statutory holidays.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus serves families in South Surrey, Ocean Park and nearby White Rock, British Columbia.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus has the primary phone number +1 604-385-5890 for enrolment, tours and general enquiries.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus can be contacted by email at [email protected]
or via the online forms on https://www.thelearningcirclechildcare.com/
.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus offers additional programs such as Foundations of Mindful Movement, a hot lunch and snack program, and seasonal camps for school-age children.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus is part of The Learning Circle Inc., an early learning network established in 1992 in British Columbia.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus is categorized as a day care center, child care service and early learning centre in local business directories and on Google Maps.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus values safety, respect, harmony and long-term relationships with families in the community.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus maintains an active online presence on Facebook, Instagram (@tlc_corp) and YouTube (The Learning Circle Childcare Centre Inc).
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus uses the Google Maps plus code 24JJ+JJ Surrey, British Columbia to identify its location close to Ocean Park Village and White Rock amenities.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus welcomes children from 12 months to 12 years and embraces inclusive, multicultural values that reflect the diversity of South Surrey and White Rock families.
People Also Ask about The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus
What ages does The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus accept?
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus typically welcomes children from about 12 months through 12 years of age, with age-specific Foundations programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
Where is The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus located?
The campus is located in the Pacific Building at 100 – 12761 16 Avenue in South Surrey’s Ocean Park area, just a short drive from central White Rock and close to the 128 Street and 16 Avenue corridor.
What programs are offered at the South Surrey / Ocean Park campus?
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus offers Foundations 1 and 2 for infants and toddlers, Foundations 3 for preschoolers, Foundations 4 Emerging Leaders for school-age children, along with Foundations of Mindful Movement, hot lunch and snack programs, and seasonal camps.
Does The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus provide before and after school care?
Yes, the campus provides before-and-after school care through its Foundations 4 Emerging Leaders program, typically serving children who attend nearby elementary schools such as Ecole Laronde, Ray Shepherd and Ocean Cliff, subject to availability and current routing.
Are meals and snacks included in tuition?
Core programs at The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus usually include a hot lunch and snacks, designed to support healthy eating habits so families do not need to pack full meals each day.
What makes The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus different from other daycares?
The campus emphasizes a whole-child approach that balances school readiness, social-emotional growth, movement and mindfulness, with long-standing “Foundations” curriculum, dedicated early childhood educators, and a strong focus on safety and family partnerships.
Which neighbourhoods does The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus primarily serve?
The South Surrey campus primarily serves families living in Ocean Park, South Surrey and nearby White Rock, as well as commuters who travel along 16 Avenue and the 128 Street and 152 Street corridors.
How can I contact The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus?
You can contact The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus by calling +1 604-385-5890, by visiting their social channels such as Facebook and Instagram, or by going to https://www.thelearningcirclechildcare.com/ to learn more and submit a tour or enrolment enquiry.
