Before & After Care Howard County, MD
Making the Most of the Time After Class
At Your Journey Nursery & Preschool we believe that when the school bell rings and the day’s lessons end, the opportunities don’t stop they simply shift. Our Before & After School Care program isn’t just supervision until pick-up; it’s a meaningful extension of your child’s day, offering growth, routine, community and fun. Here’s how we make the after-school hours work for children and families.
Why After School Care Matters
For many families, the hours after the public school dismissal can feel like a gap: child has energy, you may still be wrapping up work. Instead of “just hanging out,” an effective after-school care environment transforms that time into:
Safe, structured supervision – At Your Journey, pick-up from local schools begins around 3:30 p.m. so your child transitions from school to our care seamlessly.
Friendships + peer engagement – Children from several local schools (e.g., Lisbon Elementary School, Bushy Park Elementary School, Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School) are gathered in one place, giving kids a chance to broaden their social circle.
Extended learning & enrichment – Rather than a passive setting, after-school becomes a place where children can play, explore, and interact in a new context, building on their school-day foundation.
Peace of mind for parents – With before care dropping off as early as 7:00 a.m. and pick-up from school by 8:30 a.m., and after school care running until 6:00 p.m., we help you bridge your schedule with confidence.
What Our After-School Program Looks Like at Your Journey
Here’s a glimpse of the structure and features of our program at Your Journey:
School-Pickup Transportation
We serve many Western Howard County schools (Glenwood, Glenelg area). Drop-off happens by early morning, and in the afternoon children are transported or picked up after school.
Afternoon Arrival & Routine
Once children arrive (~3:30 p.m.), they enter a structured environment: snack time, outdoor play (weather permitting), quiet and active choices, homework time or supervised activity, and then wrap-up until parent pick-up by 6:00 p.m.
Flexible Scheduling & Rates*
Full “Before & After” care: a weekly fee
Only Before or After: a weekly fee
Part-time schedules available (you indicate your needs on the contract). These options allow families to tailor care to their actual needs.
Commitment & Registration
The program is a full school-year commitment.
Registration steps include: registration form + non-refundable fee, Docusign contract, deposit (4 weeks tuition equivalent), required health & emergency forms. This structure helps ensure consistency for children and stable staffing.
How to Maximize the After School Hours
Here are some ideas for both children and parents to get the most out of the program:
Encourage active play after school: Kids have been at desks or in classrooms all day. After school is a great time for them to move, unwind, play outside (weather permitting), and recharge.
Use the transition time wisely: The staff at Your Journey can help children shift from “school day mode” to “after-school mode” through snack, conversation, and options. That helps with emotional regulation.
Support homework or reading time: If your child has work to do, after-school care can provide a quieter, supervised space to get it done rather than trying to finish it at home during hectic evening hours.
Stay involved in pick-up routines: When you pick up, ask what the child did, what they enjoyed, what friends they made. That reinforces the value of the program and helps children articulate their experience.
Leverage the full schedule: Knowing that care runs until 6:00 p.m. gives you flexibility, reduces stress around earlier pick-up deadlines, and makes your evening smoother.
Check in about schedule adjustments: If your child is involved in sports or other after-school activities, coordinate with the Your Journey team to decide how childcare, pick-up, and drop-off will work.
What Makes Our Program Stand Out
Convenient hours: With care starting at 7:00 a.m. and pick-up until 6:00 p.m., we meet the needs of busy families.
Serving your community: The before/after care service is structured for families in Western Howard County (Glenwood, Glenelg, Lisbon, Bushy Park, Triadelphia Ridge, Dayton Oaks).
Transparent pricing and scheduling: Rates and structure are clear, and we offer both full and part-time options to fit different family needs.
Quality environment: That same nurturing, high-quality atmosphere the preschool is known for extends into after-school care — meaning kids aren’t just supervised; they’re engaged.
Longevity & commitment: The program is structured to span the full school year, ensuring stability for your child and consistent relationships with staff.
FAQs
Can my child attend only after school (not before)? Yes. The “After only” option is available at a fee.
What time does pick-up from school start? At around 3:30 p.m. for school pickups.
What if I need before-school care only (no after-school)? Yes—that’s also available at a fee.
Do I need to enroll for the full year? Yes — the program is designed as a full school-year commitment.
How do I register? Fill out the registration form + non-refundable fee, complete the Docusign contract, pay the deposit, and submit required health/emergency documentation.
If you’d like to tour our facility, meet our staff, and learn more about how our Before & After School Care can work for your family, reach out today we look forward to being part of your child’s daily journey. https://www.yourjourneyschool.com/
