What to Pack for the Before & After School Program

Here’s a simple checklist to help you know what to bring—and what to leave at home—for a smooth and enjoyable experience at our Before & After School Program.

What They’ll Need

✔ Weather-Appropriate Attire Our programs include indoor and outdoor play whenever possible. Please dress your child for the season and send a jacket, hat, gloves, or boots as needed.

✔ Healthy Snack (for After School only) While we provide water and may offer emergency snacks, we encourage families to send a nutritious, ready-to-eat snack daily.

🍎 Need ideas? Visit the CDC’s guide on Healthy Food & Beverage Choices for Kids

✔ Breakfast (for Before School only, if needed) If your child needs breakfast before the school day begins, feel free to send in a simple, ready-to-eat breakfast item. We’ll make sure they have time to eat it during the program.

✔ Labeled Belongings Make sure your child’s backpack, water bottle, lunchbox, and extra layers are clearly labeled with their name. This helps us keep track of their items and minimize mix-ups.

*If your child is attending a School’s Out Day (half or full-day), please pack a nut-free, ready-to-eat lunch and a refillable water bottle. We are unable to refrigerate or heat food, so be sure it’s safe to store at room temperature or include an ice pack.

What to Leave at Home

🚫 Electronic Devices: Please leave tablets, handheld games, and other devices at home. The only exception is: cell phones, which may be kept in your child’s backpack and used only for emergencies with parent/guardian permission.

🚫 Jewelry & Valuables We recommend that children do not wear jewelry (especially items that dangle or could be lost). Healthy Kids cannot be responsible for lost or damaged personal items.

Pro Tips

• Pack an extra layer or small change of clothes for younger children, just in case

• Consider creating a weekly snack or breakfast plan so your child knows what to expect

• Review our Program Behavior Expectations to help your child feel confident and prepared

  
  

📌 Related Articles:

• Before & After School Tuition Breakdown

• How to Register

  
  

Still have questions? Reach out to your Site Supervisor or Regional Director—we’re always happy to help!