For many families, days without school add stress when it comes to finding childcare
Where to find childcare on school’s out days in the Champaign-Urbana area
After school care is one thing; childcare for an entire day off school is a whole different thing. To make the search a little less daunting, we have compiled this list as a starting point. Many of these programs offer priority to students who attend their after school programs, if they are offered; however, many will accept new students on a day by day basis as spots are available.
When to look for childcare during school’s out days
The best time to look for care on school’s out days is right now! No, really. These days are difficult to find spots in, and we don’t want you to be scrambling last minute. You can almost always schedule on a day-by-day basis, so we recommend that you pick the days now that you know you absolutely need, and work on finding care for the days you have more flexibility later on in the school year.
Important things to know
Many local schools, both public and private, have their own childcare on school’s out days (including Champaign Unit 4). We can’t confirm info that Urbana schools offer childcare on school’s out days (please email us if you can confirm this info).
Keep in mind that:
- School’s out programs will always have a cost that comes with attendance. Some programs will accept CCRS and some will not.
- You usually register day by day; sometimes, there will be discounts for registering for a bundle of days at a time.
- All programs should offer not only supervision, but enrichment activities as well. An entire day should be filled with a variety of activities to keep kids active and engaged.
- All programs have strict on-time pickup policies.
Other options around C-U
If your school doesn’t offer school’s out care, if spots are full, or if you’re looking for something different, choices abound.
Choosing a provider in your school’s city can sometimes mean that busing is an option — but not a guarantee, so check with the transportation department before you commit somewhere.
Several local daycare centers offer after-school care for elementary school students with the benefit of bus service to pick up your children from school and bring them to the center.
Following are some places that may offer school’s out programs for elementary school children:
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- Adventure Acres (at Indian Acres, considering possibility of offering)
- Stephens Family YMCA
- Champaign Park District – Leonhard Recreation Center and Douglass Community Center
- I-Power School of Gymnastics – Champaign (find info under camps)
Still not finding what you need? You can always try looking for an after-school babysitter to care for your child.
Read all about childcare in Champaign-Urbana now.
