Finding the right After Care Program for your child is crucial for working parents. The C.A.R.E. Program, offered by Palatine Park District, provides a safe, engaging, and convenient solution for families in Palatine, Illinois. Specifically designed for children attending Community Consolidated School District 15 elementary schools, C.A.R.E. ensures your child is cared for right at their school location, eliminating extra travel and stress.
What is the C.A.R.E. After School Program?
The C.A.R.E. Program is a before and after school initiative by the Palatine Park District, aimed at supporting families with elementary school children. To ensure seamless integration and safety, children must attend the elementary school where the C.A.R.E. program is located to be eligible. This location-specific approach guarantees that children are in a familiar environment and simplifies logistics for parents. For comprehensive details, including enrollment guidelines, pricing, schedules, and necessary forms, please visit the C.A.R.E. Forms page.
At the heart of the C.A.R.E. program is the commitment to providing quality childcare within the school premises. This setup allows children to transition smoothly from their school day to engaging after-school activities. Instead of just being supervised, children are encouraged to explore their interests, complete homework, and socialize with peers in a structured yet fun environment. The program’s activities are diverse, ranging from arts and crafts to hands-on projects, board games, card games, and both indoor and outdoor active play, ensuring a balanced and enriching after school experience.
Registration for the 2025/2026 School Year
Planning for the next school year’s after care program is essential, and C.A.R.E. offers a structured registration process to accommodate both returning and new families.
Priority Pre-Registration (April 7 – April 18): Families already enrolled in the C.A.R.E. program, and siblings of enrolled children, are given priority to re-enroll for the upcoming year. This priority period ensures returning families can secure their spots before open enrollment begins.
Open Enrollment (Starting May 5): Following the priority period, any remaining spots are opened to the general public. Enrollment during this phase is on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is advisable to secure a place in the program.
Registration Closure (August 1 – August 31): It’s important to note that enrollment applications are paused during August. Registration re-opens on September 1st for any remaining available spaces.
Key Registration Information for 2025/2026:
- Registration Fee: A non-refundable $65 processing fee is required at the time of registration. This fee is only charged once a spot in the program is offered and accepted.
- Automatic Billing: For convenient payment processing, automatic billing is mandatory for all C.A.R.E. accounts. Payments are automatically deducted monthly from August through May.
- Sibling Discount: Families with multiple children enrolled in the C.A.R.E. program benefit from a discount, with approximately a 10% reduction in fees for additional children.
- Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made before July 25, 2025, will receive a full refund, minus the registration fee. Changes after this date will be subject to billing for the August installment, with adjustments taking effect from the September billing cycle onwards. The Park District’s policy is firm, so please note these dates.
For detailed pricing information, please refer to the C.A.R.E. 2025-2026 Pricing document. For comprehensive enrollment guidelines, you can review the C.A.R.E. 2025-2026 Enrollment Guidelines.
If you are interested in enrolling your child and wish to check program availability, please visit the Online Registration portal. The C.A.R.E. program offers a valuable after care program solution, ensuring your child is in a nurturing and stimulating environment after school hours.
