Childcare & Preschool

Seattle Parks and Recreation offers a range of child care and preschool programs for the social, recreational, and physical development of youth throughout Seattle.

Important Note: Due to Seattle Public Schools bell time changes, Seattle Parks and Recreation has changed their School Age Care operating hours to meet the needs of most families. With programs running longer and the City of Seattle's minimum wage increase we've had to increase our prices moving forward. Our rates are still competitive with other before and after school programs. Please contact your local Community Center for more information about prices and hours of operation changes. 

Preschool

Seattle Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Associated Recreation Council operates half-day preschool programs in neighborhood community centers. Our school-readiness program meets the developmental needs of young children, focusing on emotional, social, physical, and cognitive skills to prepare children for success in school and in life. Classrooms are set up with safe and nurturing environments, fun-filled learning areas, consistent schedules and routines, and both large and small group times. Preschool activities include art, dramatic play, library time, cooking, discovery science, singing, and outdoor play.

• Low teacher-child ratio of 1:8
• Staff is trained in Early-Childhood curriculum, CPR/First Aid, and safe food handling practices
• Children 3-4 years old and 5 year olds not enrolled in school are welcome. Children need to be fully potty-trained (no diapers or pull-ups permitted)
• Affordable rates (Scholarships available! Please contact your local community center for more details)
• Registration for 2019-20 programs opens Feb 5, 2019!  A $25 deposit saves your spot. See below for 2019-2020 program hours and prices. For more information, contact your local community center or visit the ARC website.

Download 2019-2020 School Year Schedules and Prices
Download 2018-2019 School Year Schedules and Prices

*Alki CC, Ballard CC, and Queen Anne CC offer City of Seattle Pathways programs. Click for more details about Pathways Programs.   

**Bitter Lake CC and Meadowbrook CC offers City of Seattle Preschool Programs (SPP). Click for more details about SPP. 

School Age Care

Ages: 5 (in Kindergarten) to 12 years old (in grade 6 or below)

Do you want your child to have fun, engaging opportunities that support continued learning and personal growth outside of school? Seattle Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Associated Recreation Council offers programs that provide children with opportunities to develop socially, emotionally, and physically. We work in partnership with local schools to make sure your child's educational experience is constantly being enriched. Our trained staff works daily to offer activities in areas such as: arts and culture, environmental stewardship, health and fitness, academic support, and more.

Registration is open now! A $25 deposit saves your spot. See below for 2018-2019 program hours and prices. For more information, contact your local community center or visit the ARC website.

A Sibling Discount is offered for all full-time participants from a single family in School-Age Care Before and After-School programs.  The ‘per additional child/ per program month’ discount is $15 based on a 5-day-a-week registration.

Times and prices in these schedules are subject to change. Contact your community center for details:

Download 2018-2019 School Year Schedules and Prices