Before and after-school care | ADHD Information

I have both my kids in aftercare and THEY LOVE IT. Both are ADHD and most days don't want to leave aftercare. They do their homework (most days), play with others, run outside, computer time, reading time, craft time and snack time. It is well structured without being overly strict.
I did have one day where my oldest - 9- was so upset that he was picked up early (in his mind) he had a tantrum. But if that is the worst - I will take that any day.
Before after care - both kids were glued to my hip and I couldn't get any work done. I work in my home and their school day is over at 2:00 and I need the extra hours to get house work, grocery shopping and normal work done before the kids get home.
There is early care that also provides breakfast which is free. Sometimes I drop them off early but they aren't as excited about the before program as they are about the after care one.
hi,

My son is in first grade and I have him in the after school care program.  He loves it!  I don't have to use it every day, but most days he prefers to stay.  I think the interaction with the kids other than in the classroom is what he likes best.  They also do homework and have teachers there to help them.  It is definitely well worth the money spent!
Out of the many things I do for my 9 yr old son, this has made a big difference in his school life.  Other parents may want to see if this type of program is available.  I dop him off at school about 30-45 minutes early so he can participate in the before care program.  It is held in the gym, and the kids run around, play games, socialize, and burn off steam.  He transferred to this new school in first grade.  Through morning care, he has been able to interact with kids from all grades that he would not know otherwise.  Transitioning to the classroom is much much easier.  He was having big problems waiting around outside in line, pushing to the front, not respecting other's personal space, etc.  Before we started morning care:  the morning crush of cars that time of day was horrific.  If we forgot something, going back for it was stressful and impossible to do and not be tardy.  The whole flavor of our mornings has changed.  Now he wants to get to school early to have more free time.  It's not free, but worth every dime.  HIs school usually only offers this program to working parents but they made an exception for our family.  The one day a week he stays in after care is his favorite.  He does homework with other students in the library for an hour.  Studies show that many kids with adhd perform well in study groups, and he is no exception.  It's also the only accomodation that does not make him feel special (he has OT aids in the classroom, an IEP, an empty desk next to him to use a study desk, attends Resource)  And it sure is great to be back home by 7:30 a.m. and be prepared to handle the demands of a special needs preschooler knowing that my son is on track to a good school day.