After School Care Options at Your Regional Daycare 97997
Most households photo daycare as a location for babies and toddlers, yet the hours after the school bell rings matter just as much. Those two to three hours in between pickup and supper 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 local daycare bridges that space. It offers kids a safe, familiar environment and offers parents breathing space without sacrificing quality. I have actually helped establish programs inside preschool and early learning centre settings, and I have actually seen how the very 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 stroll in and see mixed-age groups, more youthful siblings in toddler care rooms close by, and educators who know households throughout age levels. The vibe is homier. Lots of daycare centre groups have early youth training, so their method favors social-emotional advancement, gentle shifts, and hands-on knowing rather than extended classroom time.
A typical schedule ranges from school termination to about 6:00 or 6:30 p.m. Buses or daycare vans bring trainees directly from nearby schools, or staff fulfill a strolling group. Kids sign in, clean hands, get a snack, then move into a blend of research assistance, imaginative jobs, outdoor play, and calm-down time. The very best programs are consistent in their flow, yet flexible enough to accommodate piano lessons, late pickups, or a child who needs a quiet corner after a tough day.
Parents typically 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 handle after school look after ages 5 to 12 and what schools they serve. Licensed daycare programs should follow ratios, security protocols, and staff qualifications that perform to school-age care, and that licensing backbone matters.
The advantages nobody must gloss over
Three things determine whether after school care works for a family: trust, routine, and worth. Trust isn't constructed on glossy sales brochures. It comes from easy things done well. The van leaves on time. A teacher texts if a child does not board. A scraped knee is cleaned, documented, and explained at pickup without drama. I've enjoyed one centre, The Learning Circle Childcare Centre, win over skeptical parents by publishing their transport log where anybody might see it, every day, with initials and timestamps. Openness diffuses worry.
Routine is the glue. Kids who come from a structured school day don't need more rigidness, they require foreseeable freedom. Programs that dependably offer a snack at the same time, a block for homework or reading, and after that open-ended play, tend to see fewer behavior hiccups. Kids understand what comes next, personnel can plan significant activities, and moms and dads stop thinking whether math sheets got finished.
Value appears in little methods: an employee who understands your child's best friend's name, a weekly club that in fact sticks, or a calm handoff so evenings aren't thwarted. Paying for care from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. should seem like more than babysitting. 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 chaotic, and transportation makes or breaks after school care. If a daycare centre provides pickup, request specifics. Which schools do they serve? What is the threshold for cancellations on snow days or late buses? Exists a buffer for early terminations? I've seen programs keep a printed and digital roster per route, with color-coded tags that hold on backpacks. When a child has piano on Tuesdays, the tag toggles to a different color so the driver knows not to wait. Simple systems lower last-minute panic.
Distance matters too. Under three kilometers, strolling groups can deal with two personnel for approximately 15 to 18 children, depending upon licensing. Over that, buses or vans are safer and typically quicker. If your regional daycare partners with a transportation provider, examine the contract terms: backup automobiles, chauffeur background checks, and communication protocols if a path is postponed. You desire text alerts before you begin worrying.
One neglected technique: staggered arrival zones inside the centre. Younger kids go straight to the treat table, older children who prefer quiet can explore a homework space, and the rest drop bags and head to the courtyard. This keeps the corridor from developing into a tangle of boots, coats, and emotions.
The snack becomes part of the curriculum
I treat snack as a program element, not an afterthought. Children get here hungry and wired, and a well balanced treat resets the afternoon. A certified daycare typically follows nutrition standards, which helps. Rotations I've seen work well include yogurt with fruit, whole-grain crackers with cheese, hummus and veg sticks, and a sweet reward once a week. Water is always available. If allergies are in play, clear signage and staff training avoid mistakes.
Snack time is also social time. Put staff at the table, not just behind a counter. Conversation unlocks to check-ins: How did the discussion go? Anybody need help with the science fair board? You hear who had a rough recess, who didn't end up lunch, and who can not wait to reveal the LEGO strategy he sketched in his notebook.
Homework assistance that respects boundaries
Parents disagree on research. Some desire it done before pickup. Others prefer children rest and finish in the house. The very best after school care programs specify their technique upfront. A common and reasonable policy: provide a peaceful, monitored research block for about 30 to 45 minutes, with check-ins for understanding but not full-on tutoring. Personnel can direct time management and help children ask good concerns without resolving the assignment for them.
In practice, I've seen efficiency spike when children self-select into among 3 zones: deep focus at a homework table, light reading on flooring cushions, and no-work play in the makerspace. Versatility reduces conflict. If a child spends the school day masking and requires play to decompress, forcing worksheets can backfire. On the other hand, some children long for the relief of finishing research before basketball practice. Clear choices and a kind push generally do the trick.
Clubs and projects that make kids want to come back
An after school program grows when kids feel proud of what they do there. Rotating clubs help. Think chess, gardening, beginner coding on tablets, drama video games, or a "travel kitchen area" where weekly explores a brand-new country's treat. Keep clubs brief - four to six weeks - and cap sizes so every child participates. Use budget friendly products: cardboard, duct tape, paper circuits, yarn, and contributed puzzles. Set an objective, like a gallery walk for households, a small competition, or a planted herb box that goes home over summer.
The best projects span age. One centre paired Grade 1s who like drawing with Grade 5s constructing a cardboard city. The younger kids designed shops, older kids engineered the supports, and everyone named streets after their animals. It looked disorderly for a week, then it clicked. After that, presence throughout project days leapt, and behavior concerns dropped.
Indoor and outside play, even when the weather is stubborn
Movement matters. Numerous daycare centres operate in structures with restricted health club area, so creativity helps. Mark a "movement loop" inside the corridor with tape, add yoga cards in a quiet corner, and rotate basic devices like dive ropes, soft dodgeballs, and hula hoops. If you have access to a school play ground or a fenced lawn, 30 to 45 minutes outside modifications the mood for the remainder of the afternoon. Cold weather doesn't cancel outdoor time early child care near me unless it's unsafe. Post a clear policy with temperature and wind chill limits, then advise households to leave hats and mittens in the cubby. The program can keep a bin of spare gloves for the unavoidable I forgot mine.
Structured games decrease friction. Staffed stations avoid the classic soccer video game from swallowing the whole group. A staff member can run a fast round of capture the flag, then transition to free play. Children who prefer quiet can dig in the sandbox or read on the bench.
Safety and licensing, without the jargon
"Certified daycare" appears on websites, however households deserve more than a label. Licensing means a childcare centre satisfies state or provincial requirements around background checks, personnel ratios, emergency treatment certifications, indoor and outside space, and emergency situation plans. For after school care, it also determines sign-in and sign-out treatments, transportation policies, and occurrence reporting. Ask to see the emergency flip chart. Ask where medications are stored and who is trained to administer them. Self-confidence grows when these systems are clear and visible.
Behavior assistance policies matter too. The best centres focus on proactive strategies: foreseeable routines, favorable support, and training kids through conflicts. If a program just discusses punishments, keep looking. Personnel must be comfy with de-escalation strategies and understand when to loop in moms and dads. A brief day-to-day note or fast at-pickup chat typically avoids bigger problems later.
What to expect from staffing
Good after school care counts on constant faces. High turnover unsettles children. Try to find a childcare centre where school-age staff are scheduled mainly in the afternoons, not shuffled in between toddler care and school-age rooms every day. Lots of early learning centre groups bring credentials that exceed the minimum for school-age care, which shows in the quality of interactions. Inquire about ratios. For school-age groups, anything in between 1:12 and 1:15 prevails, with lower ratios for mixed-age settings or when volunteers are not present.
Professional development is a green flag. If personnel participate in workshops on inclusive practices, neurodiversity, or culturally responsive programming, your child advantages. At The Learning Circle Childcare Centre, for example, the group obstructed one afternoon a quarter to run mock emergency situation drills, refresh emergency treatment, and swap curriculum concepts. It sounds easy, however those sessions tighten team effort and hone judgment.
Pricing, aids, and what "worth" really means
Rates vary by area. In numerous cities, you'll see after school care priced weekly or regular monthly, with discount rates for siblings. Some centres include non-instructional days and early terminations in the base charge, others charge a day rate. Before comparing numbers, line up what's included: transport, treat, clubs, homework assistance, and care on school closure days. Aids and cost reductions might use, especially when the program falls under early child care funding streams or is integrated with a broader childcare program.
Value likewise shows up in versatility. If your schedule is unpredictable, inquire about drop-in spots, makeup days, or part-week choices. Not every childcare centre can accommodate this, but it deserves asking. If you travel for work, a centre that can look after brother or sisters throughout age, from toddler care to school-age, reduces the mental load.
How to pick the best local daycare for after school care
Families typically start with proximity. Searching "daycare near me" or "childcare centre near me" gets you a list, not clarity. Reserve check outs. See the transition window in between 3:15 and 3:45 p.m. That is when issues surface. Are kids welcomed by name? Do personnel manage pickups without raised voices? Is the space set up for motion and peaceful zones? Cleanliness matters, but lived-in is normal at this hour. You want safe and organized, not sterile.
Here is a short list you can take on your tours:
- Transportation plan and schools served, consisting of late bus protocols and communication methods
- Snack menu and allergy policy, plus where and how food is prepared
- Daily circulation 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 tour thrilled to return, that is a signal. If they stick and ask to go home, that is also data, though first-day jitters are normal.
Making it work for children with various needs
After school care need to serve the range of personalities and finding out profiles you discover in any classroom. Kids who are neurodivergent or who have sensory requirements may need modifications: noise-canceling earphones in the research space, a visual schedule on the wall, or approval to pull out of group video games without pressure. Ask how the centre collaborates with families to develop lodgings. A five-minute chat at pickup can avoid a disaster tomorrow. I have actually seen success with a basic "first-then" card for shifts: very first treat, then 10 minutes in the peaceful nook. Over a few weeks, independence grows.
For kids finding out English, mixed-age programs can be an asset. Younger kids are frequently patient conversational partners, and clubs use hands-on contexts that do not rely greatly on language. Personnel ought to model inclusive language and watch for exclusionary inner circles. That belongs to the work, not an aside.
What a strong day appears like, begin to finish
A snapshot from a well-run program:
3:00 p.m. The bus arrives with 18 kids from 2 schools. A team member checks each child off the roster. One child is missing due to a dental expert visit. Moms and dad text confirming pickup is logged.
3:10 p.m. Children wash hands, then treat. The menu: apple pieces, cheddar, crackers, and water. Personnel sit with the kids, asking about a book fair and a soccer tryout. A child discusses a mathematics test tomorrow; the coordinator notes it and recommends the homework table later.
3:30 p.m. Movement break outdoors. Tag in the backyard, chalk illustrations on the pavement, and a reading bench in the shade. 2 kids decide to do a quick craft inside with a staff member since they are tired of the wind.
4:00 p.m. Option time. Research room is quiet with soft lights and clipboards. Makerspace opens with cardboard and tape. The drama club practices an act for next week's family showcase. A team member distributes, assisting a child outline a convincing paragraph without writing 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." Immediate notifications are shown personnel and noted for households at pickup.
5:10 to 6:00 p.m. Calm play, puzzles, drawing, and parlor game as households drip in. Staff offer fast updates: "He consumed well and dealt with daycare South Surrey reviews mathematics. He appeared tired at 4:30, so we moved him to the reading corner."
Everything in that flow is intentional. The staff aren't just passing time. They are curating an afternoon that keeps kids safe, engaged, and seen.
Working together with schools, not against them
Coordination with schools turns an excellent program into an excellent one. When a daycare centre keeps open lines with instructors, it knows about early terminations, class tasks, and behavior objectives. We kept a simple shared notebook that went back and forth with consent from moms and dads. A message might read: "Focusing on kind words today. Please strengthen with favorable pointers." In the after school setting, we might offer low-stakes practice and include a note back: "Excellent development today during soccer, praised for inviting a peer to join."
Libraries and community centers also make strong partners. A regular monthly see from the curator with a pop-up book cart or an art instructor contributing remaining products from a workshop includes richness without major cost.
Summer, breaks, and the continuity advantage
One perk of picking a regional daycare for school-age care is continuity. When school is closed for winter season break or summer, the very same centre most likely offers full-day care. Kids already understand the area and the personnel, so shifts are smoother. Planning for these periods takes forethought: households want school outing, water days, and bigger tasks. If you're vetting a centre, ask how they scale for full-day programs, staffing, and the ratio of structured activities to leisure time. Costs may differ for these days, and spots fill fast.
The role of community and culture
A childcare centre belongs to an area. After school programs that reflect local culture feel rooted. That may look like a Lunar New Year craft table with a parent volunteer, a Diwali rangoli task led by a granny, or a music day where children bring a favorite tune from home. Keep it considerate, never ever tokenizing. Ask, don't assume. Children notice when their household customs appear authentically.
Community likewise suggests sensible policies. If a storm hits and traffic snarls, a grace period for pickup costs reveals compassion. If a family loses work hours, a short-term payment plan can keep a child enrolled. These are service decisions, yes, but they likewise signify worths. Word takes a trip fast about who deals with households fairly.
How a centre like The Learning Circle approaches after school care
Centres differ, and specifics shift gradually, however programs that earn trust share characteristics. The Learning Circle Childcare Centre, as one example of a regional daycare approach, focuses on 3 pillars for school-age: security, autonomy, and enrichment. Safety shows up in visible, practiced routines. Autonomy shows up in option boards and child-led clubs. Enrichment appears in collaborations with regional artists, garden enthusiasts, and coaches who run mini-series without turning after school into more school. You see the difference in the way kids show up. They drop their bags, scan the room for where they want to start, and jump in.
When families look for a daycare centre or early knowing centre that grows with them, they often value programs that can span years. Starting in toddler care, moving through preschool, and continuing into after school care, the relationship deepens. Staff understand a child's quirks, strengths, and activates. That continuity settles throughout the shaky months of first grade, the bold minutes of 3rd grade, and the almost-too-cool stage of fifth grade.
Red flags to see for
A quick care list can conserve headaches later on. If you hear staff describing kids as "bad" instead of describing habits, time out. If you see a pattern of late departures on bus runs without a plan to fix it, press for answers. If your child's belongings go missing weekly, storage systems may be weak. If communication is one-way and defensive, not two-way and solution-focused, consider other options. After school care need to seem like a partnership.
Getting started
Reach out to a couple of regional choices. Go to during the after school window if possible. Ask your school's workplace personnel where most households go, and why. If you already have a younger child registered in a daycare centre, see how their school-age program fits your older child's personality. Consider commute, cost, and how you feel throughout and after the tour. The ideal fit decreases daily friction and includes a helpful layer to your child's world.
Families do not require perfection. They require reputable people, clear routines, and a place where their child belongs from the minute the last bell rings till they leave the door, snack-stained and smiling, all set 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.
