As kids prepare to go back to school, parents have to make plans, too — namely, what to do about that period after school before Mom or Dad gets home from work.
Philipsburg area families are about to have more after-school possibilities for their children while still letting working parents bring home a paycheck.
The Moshannon Valley YMCA has offered an after-school activity program for years.
However, the Y is now licensed to provide services for students from Philipsburg, Osceola Mills and North Lincoln Hill elementary schools.
Kids can be bused from school to the Y, where they can take part in indoor and outdoor games, crafts, special activities and more. For more information, call 342-0889.
The program could be a boost for families with few options.
There are neighbors or friends who might be available to watch over children, but can you be sure that they’ll always be available? Not to mention, there’s a big difference between “Hey, can I borrow some sugar?” and “Hey, can you watch my kid for three or four hours every day?”
Grandparents are always an option, but again, sometimes hard to pin down.
My mother, for example, is busier than I am.
Having a baby sitter come to your home could work, but aside from the whine factor — “Mo-ther! I’m not a baby!” — there’s the cost. Even the most affordable sitter is unlikely to be less than $5 an hour, and once you multiply that by a few hours a day times five days a week, you can be at $100 before you even figure in overtime or traffic delays.
For years, the Child Development and Family Council of Centre County has provided subsidized programs to bridge that gap with their school-age child care.
Kids can take part in activities, do their homework or just relax in a safe, supervised environment overseen by a head teacher directing a staff of counselors, all under the licensure of the state Department of Public Welfare. For more information, call 342-5698.
Lori Falce writes weekly about the Rush Township/ Philipsburg area. Send comments to lori falce@gmail.com.
