Lancaster Rec Before and After School Programs provide state-certified child care for children whose parents are working or are in training. Our goal is to provide an enriching, safe environment for children to participate in fun-filled learning activities which promote creativity, social skills and independence, while receiving quality care by a caring and nurturing staff.
Our Before and After School Program staff plans and conducts activities and lessons to support each child’s development and learning. The goals of our activity-based curriculum are to help children meet state standards in academic areas, reinforce classroom learning, improve social and communication skills and help children be more physically active.
To view our Health and Safety Protocols related to COVID-19, click here.
Locations and Availability
We are currently enrolling at the following School District of Lancaster Elementary Schools: Hamilton, Lafayette, Martin, Price, Ross, Smith-Wade-El (formerly Buchanan), Washington, Wharton and Wickersham. Please note: Some schools are currently full. Call Lancaster Rec at 717-392-2115 to find out which schools still have openings.
We are waitlisting for the following School District of Lancaster Elementary Schools: Burrowes and Fulton.
Please Note: We will not be operating at Carter and MacRae this year.
Programs are provided from 6:30 a.m. to the start of school and 3:15-6 p.m. with the exception of every second Wednesday of the month, which runs from 12:30-6 p.m.
Please note: If the School District has early releases or delays, this will affect the schedule. See your School Age Care Family Handbook for further information.
Before and After School BrochureSome families may qualify for financial help for their child care. Subsidized care is handled by Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). Call 717-393-4004 for details. You cannot register online if you are applying for ELRC. If you are applying for ELRC, you must print out and return the forms listed below.
Registration
Registration for Before and After School Care Programs is only accepted in person at the Lancaster Recreation Commission office. No phone registrations are accepted. An annual non-refundable registration fee of $70 (plus $10 for each additional child from the same family) is due at the time of registration and at the beginning of every new school year. Children are not permitted to attend Before and After School Care programs until all items have been turned in. A complete registration consists of the following:
- Completed and signed Child Care Agreement
- Completed and signed Attendance Contract
- Completed and signed Health Assessment Form (Physical) and Immunization (Shot) Records
- Physicals and Shot Records less than one year old are required for Grades K-5 and Grades 5 and up
- Children in Grades 1 through 4 are required to turn in Physicals and Shot Records (may be more than one year old)
- Copies of any Custody/PFA Court Documents, if applicable
- Copies of child’s IEP or IFSP, if applicable
All-Day Camp is held on teacher in-service days, Act 48 days, conference days, during school recesses and vacations except Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Memorial Day. Sign up for All-Day Camp is limited, and children must be signed up in advance. Snow days may affect the schedule of All-Day Camp. Children will receive a snack. To contact All-Day Camp during a camp day, please call 717-989-0255. All-Day Camp Dates