School Age Programs

  • What are School-Age Programs?
    School Age Programs include school site before and after school care for students in grades TK-3 in Santa Monica. The daily routine includes homework assistance, outdoor and indoor play activities such as organized sports, arts and crafts, storytelling, music, cooking, theme-based projects and a variety of enrichment classes.

    School Age Program Options:

    • FULL-TIME CHILDCARE: Includes before-school care from 7:00 a.m. until the regular school day begins at the first bell, and continues from school dismissal until 6:00 p.m.
    • AM CARE: Parents who need to drop their children off at school beginning at 7:00 a.m. may choose a morning-only program option. Activities include preparation for the school day, arts and crafts, board games and playtime with friends.

    Where are the School Age Programs?
    The School-Age Programs are located on all elementary campuses in Santa Monica. Please ask the school front office for room locations.

    How do I contact School Age Programs?
    Please contact our offices at (310) 399-5865 and ask to speak with the School Age Programs staff.

    Can I JUST take after-school care and not morning care?
    While you can enroll in JUST AM care (before school) and no after-school care, your morning care is automatically included in the price of your after-school care fee.

    How do I apply for School Age Programs?
    Please complete and submit a Waitlist Application to the Child Development Services department via email at sap@smmusd.org, via fax at (310) 396-1618, or you may walk it into our office at 2828 4th Street; SM, CA 90405.

    Do you have scholarships?
    We participate in the state subsidized program, so if your child qualifies, you may pay a lesser amount (or have no fee). This is based on the financial information you will provide to us. Please make sure to check that box and complete that section when you are applying if you would like to be considered for subsidized care.

    Other Questions?
    Our Family Handbook can be found on this website and provides more detailed information regarding our programs.

    What about if I have a 4th or 5th grader and need care?
    SMMUSD School Age Programs offer Before School Care for 4th and 5th grade students.

    The City of Santa Monica operates an after-school care program (known as CREST Club) for children in fourth and fifth grade at all Santa Monica sites. For more information regarding the CREST Club program, call the City Youth Office at (310) 458-8540. Visit the CREST website.