Kids: After School Recreation - Fun!

by Theresa Wojtasiewicz

For parents of elementary school-aged children, figuring out how to provide care for your children between the end of the school day and the time you get home from work can be a problem. Childcare centres are one solution, but they can be expensive and wait lists for subsidized spaces are long. You might also rely on your neighbours, a babysitter, or members of your extended family – but what happens if you don’t have any of these options?

The City of Toronto recognized the need for afterschool care, especially in areas of the city that didn’t have a lot of services. In 2005, City Council approved funding a program for after-school care. Council directed its Parks, Forestry and Recreation department to design and put into action recreational after-school programs for children ages six to 12 as an alternative to babysitting or childcare, while being affordable for their parents.

Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation and Toronto Children’s Services developed the After-school Recreational Care (ARC) program model. Seneca College provides specialized training modules for staff working in the programs. The ARC program curriculum is based on the following principles:

• healthy child development;
• fine arts;
• character education;
• physical activity; and
• resiliency (how to recover or bounce back when something happens that you didn’t expect).

ARC started running in September, 2006 with 10 programs for children aged 6 to 12 years. This expanded in 2007 to 19 programs with over 600 children enrolled, and in September, 2008, there will be 30 programs available with an estimated 900 children taking part.

What do my children do in the program? While each program follows the basic principles listed above, the kinds of activities the children take part in depends on the location and the ages of the children participating. The children could have the use of a gym for an hour or two for indoor sports, or a school field for outdoor sports. The program also focuses on arts and crafts as well as other group games and activities. About half an hour is spent on homework, but the majority of the time is spent doing recreational activities. Children need to play; it’s how they learn to socialize with one another and playing games, particularly sports, encourages them to be physically active as well.

Who is looking after my children?

Staff are drawn from the community, usually youth between the ages of 16 and 24. They are well trained by Parks, Forestry and Recreation and Seneca College, and can apply their participation in ARC towards a credit in Early Childhood Education. If the program is held in a location different than the school the children attend and enough children are registered from that school to make up a group, staff will escort the children to the ARC program location.

What about snacks?

Children should bring their own snacks from home; however, if some children don’t have a snack, one will be provided so that they don’t go without. There are some programs that have partnerships with organizations that will provide food, but it’s best if your children come with their own snacks.

How much does it cost?

As of September 2008, the cost will be $5 per day per child, with fees payable monthly. When you subscribe to the program, it will be for the full five days per week. There are subsidies available from Children’s Services or Social Services that would reduce or fully cover the fee, depending on your eligibility. Parks, Forestry and Recreation also offers financial assistance through its Welcome Policy.

Can I come, too?

ARC holds special events from time to time so that parents can participate in activities with their children. This also gives staff a chance to speak to the parents to get their advice and feedback on the program.

How do I find out about ARC?

Information about ARC is available through both the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic School Board, Children’s Services, in community centres and settlement organizations, and in communications from other programs you and your family might be participating in through Parks, Forestry and Recreation. ARC will provide someone who speaks your language if you need it.

For more information about locations and availability of the program in your area and current fees, or to register your child for the program, visit the website at www.toronto.ca/parks/after-school-recreation.htm or contact ARC by phone at 416-338-2512 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

CNM