To pick the best program, plan at least one on-site visit and check out how the kids interact with each other and their caregivers. Some questions to ask:

1. What’s the program’s relationship to the schools in the district? Ask administrators and participating parents to share their experiences.

2. Is the program accredited by the National AfterSchool Association? Because there are only 550 NAA-accredited programs nationwide, parents shouldn’t automatically dismiss one if it lacks this extra stamp of approval.

3. What is the staff to child ratio? Experts recommend at least one instructor for every 10 to 12 children in elementary programs andone for every five to eight children in early childhood and kindergarten programs.

4. Who are the instructors? Quality programs should be staffed by highly competent people who understand child development and can plan age-appropriate activities. Background checks are a must.

5. Are activities recreationally or educationally based? Experts say activities should be engaging and offer opportunities to gain a variety of skills in problem solving and critical thinking.

6. What’s the cost? Some programs charge for just the days your child attends, while others charge by the week. At least a handful provide scholarships.

7. Is the program’s budget publicly or privately funded? Stable funding may determine the program’s stability and chances for long-term survival.

8. If the program isn’t in your child’s school, what are the transportation arrangements? Find out the driver’s background, the type of vehicle used and if pick-up and drop-off sites are supervised.

9. What is the sign-in/sign-out procedure? It’s important that the program spell out who is responsible for delivering your child to the program and who is allowed to pick him or her up — and whether a photo ID is required. Also ask about playground supervision and bathroom trips.

10. Are snacks provided? Some programs offer them; others allow or require parents to bring their own.

Click for parent story

Have a comment about this story? E-mail us at mailbag@angieslist.com.