Before- and After-Care for Preschoolers
By First Cubby Editorial · Updated 2026-07-10
Many preschools offer before-care (early drop-off) and after-care (extended pickup) so the hours cover a full workday around the core program. It’s usually an add-on to tuition and is what makes a half-day or shorter program workable for two working parents.
What it is
Before-care opens early so you can drop off before the main program; after-care keeps your child later with a relaxed mix of snack and play. Together they bridge school hours and work hours.
What to ask
- Exact hours (earliest drop-off, latest pickup) and late-pickup fees.
- Cost and how it’s billed (hourly, per session, or monthly).
- Ratios and what a typical session looks like.
- Whether a snack is included.
Cost & alternatives
Extended care adds to tuition, so factor it into the total — see how to afford preschool. If a program has no extended care, a nanny share, family help, or a co-op can fill the gap. Compare program lengths in half-day vs. full-day.
Frequently asked questions
What is before- and after-care?
Before-care is early drop-off before the core preschool program starts; after-care extends pickup later into the afternoon or evening. Together they let a shorter core program cover a full workday.
How much does before- and after-care cost?
It’s usually an add-on to tuition, priced per hour, per session, or as a flat monthly fee. Ask each program how it’s billed and whether drop-in versus set-schedule rates differ.
What do children do in after-care?
Typically a relaxed mix of snack, free and outdoor play, art, and quiet activities — less structured than the school day. Ask about ratios and what a session looks like.
What should I ask about extended care?
Ask the exact hours, the cost and how it’s billed, the adult-to-child ratio, whether a snack is provided, and how late pickup and late fees work.
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