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Human Service Programs > DHSP Afterschool Programs > Childcare Afterschool Programs

Childcare Afterschool Programs

Children in an afterschool program pose with a structure they built.

DHSP's Childcare Afterschool programs are designed to build children’s social skills and enhance their school-day learning. Children engage in developmentally appropriate project-based learning curriculum, both individually and in groups. All Childcare Afterschool programs are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

  • For ten months of the year (including early release days), all classrooms provide care from the end of the school-day until 5:55 p.m.
  • All programs offer project-based curriculum (theme-based curriculum linked to the Cambridge Public Schools’ learning goals), snack time, homework time, athletic activities, art activities, and various other games and activities based on children's needs and interests. 

Locations:

Fletcher Maynard Academy (225 Windsor St.), 1 Kindergarten – 3rd grade classroom

Martin Luther King, Jr. School (100 Putnam Ave.), 2 age-appropriate classrooms for children in Kindergarten - 5th grade

Morse School (40 Granite St.), 2 age-appropriate classrooms for children in Kindergarten – 5th grade

Peabody School (70 Rindge Ave.), 2 age-appropriate classrooms for children in Kindergarten - 5th grade

Enrollment: 

  • Families apply through the DHSP Afterschool Programs Lottery each spring.
  • The last day to apply to the 2024-2025 DHSP Afterschool Programs Lottery was May 17. Families who apply after the deadline will be automatically added to the Waiting Pool. 

For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/AfterschoolLottery.  

Tuition:

  • Tuition is based on household size and income.
  • Childcare Afterschool programs accept Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) vouchers.

For more information contact Chandra Green, Enrollment Coordinator, at dhsppreschools@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6254.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to attend a Childcare Afterschool Program based in the same school they attend during the day?

No. You can choose any of our 4 locations (Fletcher- Maynard, Martin Luther King, Morse, and Peabody) based on your personal preference. Please keep in mind that Cambridge Public Schools Department (CPSD) only provides transportation for children traveling over a mile away from their school. If you are selecting programs that aren’t located in the same building that your child attends during the school day, you should confirm with CPSD Transporation at 617-349-6862 that the program is over a mile away before selecting the program.

What is the difference between the Childcare Afterschool Program and DHSP’s other afterschool programs?

In addition to the Childcare Afterschool Program, DHSP runs the Community Schools Afterschool Program, King Open Extended Day Program, and Cambridge Youth Programs.

  • The Childcare Afterschool Program is open to applicants in Kindergarten through 5th grade. We offer project-based learning curriculum that links to the CPSD learning goals. All of our classrooms are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). We accept DTA and EEC vouchers. Care is provided 5 days a week from the end of the school day until 5:55 p.m. We do not offer part-time seats.
  • The Community Schools Afterschool Program is open to applicants in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Families have the option of signing up for afterschool programming 2, 3, or 5 days a week.
  • The King Open Extended Day Program is open to applicants in Kindergarten through 5th grade who are enrolled in the King Open School. The afterschool program is completely integrated into the King Open School to support children’s social and academic learning.
  • Cambridge Youth Programs are open to applicants who are preteens and middle schoolers in 4th – 8th grade. Families have the option of signing up for afterschool programming 2, 3, or 5 days a week.

 

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