Good before and after school care gives children a safe, structured place to start and end the school day, with time for homework, a snack, active play and friends. Below is what to look for in any program, the questions worth asking, and how our K-5 program at Pulaski Community Youth Center (PCYC) in Fairlawn works.
What a good program includes
Whichever program you choose, look for these basics:
- A reliable plan for getting children to school in the morning and back in the afternoon
- A snack after school, because children arrive hungry
- Quiet time for homework and reading, with adults who can help
- Active play indoors and outdoors after a long day of sitting
- Creative activities such as art, building or gardening
- Clear communication with parents about each day
At PCYC, afternoon support includes a snack, homework and quiet reading time, art activities and lots of time in the gym or on the playground. Students also take part in weekly gardening classes and service projects throughout the year.
Getting to and from school
Transportation is often the deciding factor. Ask whether the program is on your child's school bus route, what time the morning pickup and afternoon drop-off happen, and what happens on early-release days.
For PCYC, Pulaski County Public Schools provides bus transportation for Riverlawn Elementary and Pulaski County Middle School students. The morning bus pickup is at 8am and the afternoon bus drop-off is at 3:20pm.
Costs at PCYC
These are the rates listed on our K-5 page:
| Option | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Before school (K-5) | $25 per week | School bus pickup at 8am |
| After school (K-5) | $50 per week | Snack, homework time, play and activities |
| Drop-in full day | $20 per day | Only on Pulaski County Public Schools' scheduled closures; open to students from any county |
| Grades 6-10 afterschool | $50 per week | Transportation from PCMS and PCHS; screen free |
Questions to ask any program
- How are staff screened and trained? (At PCYC, all paid positions require a comprehensive background check and CPR/First Aid certification.)
- What does a typical afternoon look like, hour by hour?
- How much help do children get with homework?
- What happens on school holidays, snow days and early-release days?
- How do you handle pick-up, and who is allowed to collect my child?
Helping your child settle in
The first weeks in a new program go more smoothly with a little preparation. A few things that help most children:
- Visit together before the first day so the room and the adults are familiar
- Walk through the routine at home: bus, snack, homework, play, pick-up
- Label backpacks, water bottles and jackets
- Tell your child exactly who will pick them up and when
- Ask staff after the first few days how your child is doing, and share anything that would help them
Signs a program is working for your family
After a month or so, step back and check: does your child look forward to going? Is homework getting done, or at least started, before you get home? Do you hear about friends and activities? Is pick-up calm and predictable? If the answers are mostly yes, the program is doing its job. If not, talk with the staff; small changes to the routine often make a big difference.
Help paying for school-age care
Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program serves eligible families with children under 13, so it can cover school-age care as well as preschool. Parents generally need to be working, looking for work, or in education or training, and household income must fall within local limits. Check eligibility through CommonHelp or your local department of social services; note that many areas have had waitlists since July 1, 2024 (Child Care VA).
Frequently asked questions
Can my child come on school closure days if we live outside Pulaski County?
Yes. Our drop-in full days are open to students from any county. They are only scheduled on Pulaski County Public Schools' scheduled closures, so contact us if you have a question about a specific date.
Is there a program for middle and high school students?
Yes. Students in grades 6 to 10 can join our experiential afterschool program, with transportation from PCMS and PCHS, small groups, monthly special programming and screen-free activities.
How do I sign up for before or after school care?
Call 540-739-2209 or visit our contact page. Current rates, bus times and program details are on the K-5 before and after school page.
Next steps
See full details on our K-5 before and after school page, compare all youth programs in Pulaski County, or read our preschool checklist if you have a younger child.
Sources
Published October 12, 2026 by Pulaski Community Youth Center.