The Calgary AfterSchool Program provides Calgary children, youth and teens with structured activities after school. Have a question about the program? It may be addressed below – if not, please contact us.
- What is Calgary AfterSchool?
- Who is providing Calgary AfterSchool opportunities?
- Why did the Calgary AfterSchool program launch in September 2009?
- How many Calgary AfterSchool programs are there and where are the programs located?
- What do kids do at Calgary AfterSchool?
- How do I get my child involved in a Calgary AfterSchool program?
- How much does Calgary AfterSchool cost?
- Is there fee assistance for the Calgary AfterSchool programs that have a cost attached to them?
- Are Calgary AfterSchool programs drop in program or do I need to register my child?
- What kinds of activities will my child participate in at drop in programs?
- Are the programs offered by Calgary AfterSchool supervised?
- What does my child need to bring with them to Calgary AfterSchool?
- Will my child receive snacks or food at Calgary AfterSchool programs?
- Is there a homework component to Calgary AfterSchool?
- Is transportation to Calgary AfterSchool programs available?
- In the searchable tool, what are the definitions of each program type?
1) What is Calgary AfterSchool?
A) Calgary AfterSchool is a new, city wide initiative creating quality, free, after school programming opportunities for youth ages 6 - 16, between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. Calgary AfterSchool offers youth safe, supervised after school activities.
2) Who is providing Calgary AfterSchool?
A) The City of Calgary is taking a leadership role with community partners and individual program providers to coordinate and help improve the availability, quality and funding of after school programs for Calgary youth.
3) Why did the Calgary AfterSchool program launch in September 2009?
A) Past research conducted across North America shows that engaging youth in positive, structured activities in the after school period of 3 to 6 p.m., helps youth do better in school, build self confidence and promotes healthy development. Positive after school activities also help communities combat youth crime, gang involvement, teen pregnancies and other negative activities and outcomes. The City of Calgary is proud to take a leadership role as one of the first municipalities in Canada to support a city wide initiative, offering quality and safe after school programming.
4) How many Calgary AfterSchool programs are there and where are the programs located?
A) There are hundreds of afterschool programs being offered, in all areas of the city.
5) What do kids do at Calgary AfterSchool?
A) Youth ages 6 - 16 can participate in a variety of programs to suit their interests at Calgary AfterSchool including activities ranging from homework, music, drama, art, sports, leadership, dance, volunteering, cultural and educational.
6) How do I get my child involved in a Calgary AfterSchool program?
A) To find a program that your child may be interested in, or that is close to your home or school, go to Calgary.ca/afterschool or call 3-1-1. You will find hundreds of programs to choose from, located in all quadrants of the city.
7) How much does Calgary AfterSchool cost?
A) That depends. There are hundreds of different types of programs being offered all over the City, with different costs depending on what activities are offered. Some Calgary AfterSchool programs are free, and some have a cost attached to them. To find out the cost of the program you are interested in attending, go to the Calgary.ca/afterschool program search tool, or call 3-1-1.
8) Is there fee assistance for the programs that have a cost attached to them?
A) Many program providers offer fee assistance to help with the cost of programs for kids that could not otherwise participate. To find out if your child qualifies for fee assistance, you must check in with the individual program provider.
9) Are Calgary AfterSchool programs drop in programs or do I need to register my child?
A) The Calgary AfterSchool initiative includes both drop in and registered programs. Depending on the Calgary Afterschool Program you choose to participate in, you may have to register or you may just drop in. The program provider will let you know its requirements.
10) What kinds of activities will my child participate in at drop in programs?
A) Drop in programs will offer a variety of supervised activities. Depending upon the location's amenities, activities may include homework, snacks, swimming, sports, games, dance, arts, music or leadership.
11) Are the programs offered by Calgary AfterSchool supervised?
A) Yes. Calgary AfterSchool programs are supervised by qualified programmers.
12) What does my child need to bring with them to Calgary AfterSchool?
A) When you sign up for a Calgary AfterSchool program, the program provider will let you know what your child needs to bring. Drop in program providers will also be able to let you know what your child will need to bring when your child attends for the first time.
13) Will my child receive snacks or food at Calgary AfterSchool programs?
A) Some Calgary AfterSchool programs will provide snacks and food. Individual program providers will let you know if snacks are available for your child as part of the program or not. If your child has food allergies, please inform the program leader.
14) Is there a homework component to Calgary AfterSchool?
A) Some programs do encourage participating youth to work on homework for a portion of the time they are attending the program. Program leaders and peers can offer valuable assistance to youth who wish to complete their homework from 3 to 6 p.m. if the program you choose has this option available. Individual program providers will be able to let you know if this is the case in their program.
15) Is transportation to Calgary AfterSchool programs available?
A) There is no specific transportation dedicated to the Calgary AfterSchool Program. There are programs located in all quadrants of the city. Using the convenient search tool on the Calgary.ca/afterschool home page will help you choose a program close to your home or your child's school.
16) In the searchable tool, what are the definitions of each program type?
A) Childcare programs
- A child care program in respect of which a licence has been issued under the Alberta Child Care Licensing Act
- Child care program – the primary purpose of providing care to 7 or more children
- Children typically attend in a registered capacity but drop in may also be available.
- Programs charge a fee (subsidy from the Alberta government is available for those that qualify http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/587.cfm).
- Eligibility may between the ages of 0 - 12
B) Drop-In programs
- Supervised programs focus on recreational activities
- Children and youth can attend on a day to day basis
- The majority of programs are free, but some may have a minimal fee
- Age categories vary between the ages of 6 - 16
C) Arts & Leisure Programs - A variety of creative after school programs that include music, arts and crafts, dance, and drama.
D) Career & Employment - A variety of programs that address career planning and youth employment.
E) Clubs - A variety of clubs or groups that meet after school.
F) Culturally-Based Programs - A variety of programs that have a cultural theme or focus.
G) Educational Programs - A variety of programs that have an educational flavour. Programs include homework help, tutoring, safety education, and health education.
H) Faith-Based Programs - After school programs offered by faith based groups
I) Health & Wellness Programs - A variety of programs offering enhancement to the health and well being of youth.
J) Inter-Generational Programs - Activities that are intergenerational in focus. Groups may be teens and seniors.
K) Leadership & Volunteering - A variety of programs that address leadership skills and have volunteer opportunities.
L) Recreation & Sports - A variety of sports related programs for children. Includes team and/or individual sports.
