Afterschool programs in Decatur (neighborhood, YMCA, college)

[dougcriss]

Got my son registered for kindergarten at Oakhurst elementary in Decatur, but there is a waiting list for the afterschool program at the school. What other afterschool options are available in the city of Decatur?

[cmtiger]

They have an overflow program for Animal Crackers (the OA after school care) that meets at Decatur Rec. They take a little bus over there. Also, you might want to check Color Wheel and Decatur First Baptist. They both have programs that get good reviews. The Decatur Dekalb YMCA also has an after school program and I believe that they have a bus that goes from Oakhurst to the Y.

Worst case scenario... maybe you can work out a sitter from Agnes Scott College. There are a bunch of girls there looking for extra cash to pay that h-u-g-e tuition!!! We have hired girls from there before and we have always been very happy with them. To keep cost down, maybe you can find another kindergartner that needs after school care and you can split the bill. Are you familiar with the neighborhood Yahoo boards? That would be a good place to look for an after school baby sitter buddy.

Good luck! I know it's tough for after school care. Decatur really needs to expand its programs since there are so many kids in the city now. I have three kids so the sitter situation actually works out being just as economical as three after school care bills.

[MiriL]

I second Color Wheel. My daughter's gone to summer camp there and loved it, and we know several families who have been very happy with their afterschool program.

[b.e.c.ilovemypuppy]

Originally Posted by dougcriss

Got my son registered for kindergarten at Oakhurst elementary in Decatur, but there is a waiting list for the afterschool program at the school. What other afterschool options are available in the city of Decatur?

nbnnnnn

[genki]

We have been on the waiting list at Colorwheel for 2 years, I have heard rumors of an expansion but not sure when that will happen. It's a great albeit expensive program, but still very small and there has been nearly 100% retention from year to year.

We have friends that have done the YMCA, First Baptist and the Rec Center overflow program. Haven't heard any horror stories so I would start calling around. Keep your name on the Oakhurst waiting list, you'll likely get in at some point during the school year.

The Oakhurst yahoo group is a good way to find someone to share after school care with...there are lots of Emory and Agnes Scott students out there. Good luck. And next year, make sure you register for Oakhurst after care on registration day in the spring!