After-School Program near San Carlos

Give Your Child a Warm, Structured Afternoon

School days in San Carlos often end long before parents finish work. If you are trying to juggle pickup times, homework, and your child’s need to relax and play, you are not alone. Our after-school program is designed to turn those busy hours into calm, meaningful time for your child.

At Safari Kid Redwood City, we provide more than supervision. We offer a research-driven environment where children can finish their school day feeling supported, engaged, and proud of what they have accomplished. We draw from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other respected approaches to guide how we set up the afternoon, how we interact with children, and how we partner with families.

Families trust us because we focus on the whole child. We care about cognitive growth, social skills, language and literacy, physical health, emotional well-being, and everyday care routines. Our goal is to offer a predictable, nurturing space after school so you can finish your day knowing your child is thriving.

Safe, supervised, and super fun! Reach out online or call (650) 747-6681 to book your after-school program consultation.

What Afternoons Look Like Here

Parents often relax once they can picture exactly what their child will do from the time school ends until pickup. At our Childcare center, afternoons follow a steady rhythm that helps children feel secure while still leaving room for choice and fun.

When children arrive from their elementary schools, we welcome them with a calm, predictable check-in. Educators greet each child by name, make sure belongings are stored, and offer time to relax. A healthy snack gives children the energy they need for the rest of the afternoon, and we use this time to chat about their day and tune in to how they are feeling.

After snack, we typically move into homework or quiet work time. Our educators are present to help children understand directions, stay on task, and break work into manageable steps. We do not replace classroom teachers, yet we support children in building the organization and perseverance they need to feel successful with school responsibilities.

Once homework or quiet work is done, the focus shifts to enrichment and play. Depending on the day, children may choose from activities such as creative art, building and design challenges, simple science investigations, reading corners, or group games. When conditions allow, we make time for outdoor play so children can move their bodies, breathe fresh air, and reset.

Throughout the afternoon, we pay attention to social interactions. Educators coach children through sharing, turn-taking, and solving small conflicts respectfully. We model language that helps children express feelings and listen to others. For many children, these everyday moments are where confidence and empathy grow.

As pickup time approaches, we guide children through tidy-up routines and gentle transitions, so you arrive at a space that feels orderly and calm. We aim for your child to be ready to reconnect with you, with most school work done and plenty of positive experiences to share.

Safety, Staff, & Communication

We understand that trusting someone with your child after school is a big decision. Safety, both physical and emotional, sits at the center of every choice we make. We follow clear arrival and departure procedures, maintain secure access to our center, and keep a close track of who is authorized to pick up each child.

Our educators are carefully selected and receive training in child development and daily safety practices. We work to maintain consistent faces in the classroom so children do not feel like they are meeting new adults every week. This stability helps children settle more quickly after school and supports strong relationships over time.

Inside the classroom, we keep group sizes appropriate for the activities we offer. This allows educators to observe children closely, anticipate needs, and respond before small challenges grow. We set age-appropriate expectations for behavior and talk with children about kindness, respect, and personal responsibility in language they can understand.

Communication with families is an important part of how we build trust. We use tools such as Procare and other update channels to share glimpses of the day, important reminders, and occasional notes about progress. Our goal is to give you a clear sense of how your child is doing without overwhelming you with information.

In addition to everyday updates, we invite families to events and check-ins during the year. These gatherings give you a chance to see the environment, talk with educators, and meet other parents. When we complete assessments or observe important changes in your child’s learning or behavior, we reach out to discuss what we are seeing and how we can work together to support your child.

By combining thoughtful safety routines, caring and trained staff, and steady communication, we work to create an environment where both children and parents feel secure. When you drop your child off, we want you to feel confident about exactly who is caring for them and how we stay connected with you.

Enrichment & Whole Child Benefits

After-school time can be a powerful part of your child’s growth. We design our program to nurture the whole child, not only to finish homework. Each afternoon offers chances to stretch thinking, build friendships, strengthen bodies, and explore interests that may not fit into the regular school day.

Our enrichment activities change throughout the year, yet they always rest on our research-guided curriculum. In one season, children might explore visual arts with paint, collage, or clay. At another time, they might dive into music, rhythm, and movement, or simple science and nature explorations that spark questions about the world around them.

These experiences are more than entertainment. Art projects strengthen fine motor skills and planning. Group games and building challenges build teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Storytelling and dramatic play encourage language development and imagination. When children try new activities in a safe, encouraging environment, they gain confidence that reaches into other parts of life.

We are mindful of emotional development as well. After a long day of academic expectations, many children need space to process feelings and regain a sense of choice and control. Our educators offer calm listening, gentle guidance, and activities that support self-regulation, such as quiet reading corners or mindfulness routines, when appropriate.

Because Safari Kid has a global presence, we also care about opening children’s eyes to a wider world. Age-appropriate cultural celebrations, stories from different places, and projects that highlight diversity help children appreciate both their own background and those of their peers. This broader perspective supports flexibility, curiosity, and respect.

By the time you see your child at pickup, our hope is that they have moved, created, connected, and learned in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. Over weeks and months, these small moments add up to stronger academic habits, richer social skills, and a deeper love of learning.

Call us at (650) 747-6681 or reach out online to speak with our team and learn more about our San Carlos after-school options.