After the final school bell rings and students across Palm Beach County are released for the day, more than 14,000 elementary students don’t go straight home. Instead, they participate in after-school care programs where they get homework help and play games with classmates until their parents can pick them up.
At around $260 per month, Palm Beach County’s school district offers one of the least expensive forms of after-school childcare in the county, where private care can cost up to $500 per month. But increasing demand and difficulties in hiring staff has led to waiting lists at 30% of aftercare sites, according to the district.
“There is a community-wide and nationwide staff shortage, and District after-school program directors continue actively recruiting to fill open positions,” the district said in a written statement.
Waiting lists leave parents who don’t sign up in time scrambling for other affordable after-school options where their children will be safe and cared for.