How to Choose a Quality Afterschool Program in NYC

harrimanprogramsnyc
5 days ago
3 min read

(What You Should Expect From the Program Your Child Is In)

For many families in New York City, afterschool is not something you get to shop around for. Your child attends the program offered in their school or nearby because it is free, familiar, and part of the community. Traveling to another school, paying out of pocket, or rearranging work schedules is often not an option—especially for elementary-aged children.

Because of that, the real question is not “How do I find the best program?”

The real question is: What should I reasonably expect from the afterschool program my child attends?

Below are clear, realistic expectations every parent should have for a quality afterschool program in NYC public schools.

1. Your Child Should Be Safe and Properly Supervised

Safety is the foundation of any afterschool program.

You should expect:

consistent adult supervision,
clear sign-in and dismissal procedures,
staff who know your child by name,
clear systems for transitions, movement, and dismissal.

Afterschool programs operating in NYC public schools—especially those supported through DYCD—are required to follow specific safety, staffing, and training standards. If procedures are unclear, you have the right to ask questions and receive answers.

2. There Should Be a Balance Between Homework Help and Enrichment

Afterschool programs should support homework, but it is important to understand how that support works in real life.

You should expect:

designated time set aside for homework,
staff available to help answer questions and keep students focused,
most—not always all—homework to be started or completed.

Homework time in afterschool is limited. Depending on your child’s grade level, workload, or learning needs, they may not finish every assignment before dismissal. That does not automatically mean the program is failing.

A quality program aims to help students complete the bulk of their homework and understand what they are working on. Parents should still expect to:

review homework at home,
check for accuracy or missing work,
finish remaining assignments when needed.

This shared responsibility between afterschool and home is both normal and healthy.

3. Programs Should Communicate Clearly With Families

You should not feel completely disconnected from what happens after school.

You should expect:

a clear point of contact for questions or concerns,
updates about schedule changes or program activities,
communication around behavior or learning concerns when they arise.

Any safety or health-related incidents should be communicated as soon as it is safe to do so.This expectation is typically tied to the information you provide during registration, including emergency contacts and whether you consented to staff administering basic first aid.

If you agreed to first aid support on your child’s registration form, staff should follow those guidelines and notify you promptly if care was needed. You should never feel surprised by a health or safety issue after the fact.

4. Staff Should Be Respectful

How adults speak to and treat children matters—especially after a long school day.

You should expect:

respectful language from staff,
calm redirection instead of yelling or shaming,
consistency in how rules are enforced,
adults who model patience and care.

Afterschool should feel like a supportive environment, not a place where children are talked down to or embarrassed. If your child regularly reports feeling disrespected, ignored, or afraid to speak up, that is something worth addressing.

Respect is not optional. It is part of quality care.

5. The Program Should Be Structured, Not Chaotic

Free does not mean unorganized.

A quality afterschool program should have:

a predictable daily routine,
clear transitions between activities,
age-appropriate structure, especially for younger students,
flexibility without confusion.

Structure helps children feel secure and reduces behavior issues, particularly after a full school day of instruction.

6. Afterschool Should Support More Than Just Supervision

Afterschool programs are in a unique position to help children build skills that do not always fit into the regular school day, such as:

teamwork and communication,
problem-solving,
responsibility and independence,
basic life and decision-making skills.

Many community-based programs working in NYC schools focus on supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and practically—through activities that feel engaging and meaningful.

This is the kind of work programs like Harriman are designed to support alongside schools, helping children grow without adding pressure to families.

What to Do If Something Doesn’t Feel Right

If you have concerns, you can:

speak with afterschool staff or the site director,
ask the school who oversees afterschool partnerships,
request clarity about routines, communication, or expectations.

Asking questions does not make you difficult. It makes you an involved parent.

The Bottom Line for NYC Parents

You may not get to choose which afterschool program is offered—but you do get to expect that the program:

keeps your child safe,
communicates clearly with families,
treats children with respect,
supports learning,
and uses time intentionally.

When afterschool programs meet these expectations, they become a true extension of the school day and a meaningful support for families and schools alike.