Before and After School Program
connecting kids
More than child care - a place you can trust where your child is cared for, connected and thriving beyond the school day.
Safe. Reliable. Active.Trusted
- Your child’s safety is our top priority. We maintain appropriate supervision, follow all licensing requirements, and create a secure, structured environment where children are well cared for at all times.
- Our team is carefully selected, background-checked and trained to provide a caring, respectful and dependable environment. Many of our staff have long-standing relationships within our program and genuinely care about each child.
- Our program is structured and well-organized. Each day follows a consistent routine that includes check-in, homework time, activities, and play—creating a calm and predictable environment for students.
- We provide dedicated time for homework and quiet focus, along with opportunities for play, creativity, and social connection. This balance helps children stay engaged while also enjoying their time after school.
Indoor Large Gym
Expansive Outdoor Play Areas
Accommodating Hours
Safe and Secure Campus
Homework Help in a Classroom Setting
Experienced & Loving Leaders
About the Program
We understand that balancing work and family can be challenging—especially when the school day ends before your workday does. Connecting Kids is designed with working families in mind, providing a safe, structured, and welcoming environment for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade.
Our philosophy is simple: children thrive when they are known, supported, and given opportunities to grow. We offer more than supervision, with a balance of homework support, active play, and engaging activities that build confidence, creativity, and independence
What sets us apart is our exceptional team—a group of caring, dependable staff who create a consistent environment where kids feel comfortable, connected, and truly belong.
What sets us apart is our exceptional team—a group of caring, dependable staff who create a consistent environment where kids feel comfortable, connected, and truly belong.
What a Day Looks Like
MORNINGS
Each morning begins with calm, quiet activities in our cozy Fireside Room, creating a gentle start to the day. Afterward, everyone enjoys a nourishing breakfast before heading out - kids hop on the vans, ready and excited for the school day ahead.
Afternoons
Kids return to New Life from school in our vans and are welcomed with a snack and time to relax and play on the playground. From 4:00–5:00pm, they transition into the classrooms for dedicated Homework Time, building focus and confidence in their studies. The afternoon continues with free play in the gym and organized activities.
Fridays are extra special with “Fun Friday”! Instead of Homework Time, kids enjoy a variety of engaging activities like arts and crafts, science projects, and cooking - along with a special time for stories and simple teachings inspired by Christian values, helping children learn about kindness, compassion, and gratitude in a way that is welcoming to everyone.
Kids return to New Life from school in our vans and are welcomed with a snack and time to relax and play on the playground. From 4:00–5:00pm, they transition into the classrooms for dedicated Homework Time, building focus and confidence in their studies. The afternoon continues with free play in the gym and organized activities.
Fridays are extra special with “Fun Friday”! Instead of Homework Time, kids enjoy a variety of engaging activities like arts and crafts, science projects, and cooking - along with a special time for stories and simple teachings inspired by Christian values, helping children learn about kindness, compassion, and gratitude in a way that is welcoming to everyone.
testimonials
Mirna A
The Before and After School Program (Connecting Kids) is a great program. My son has been attending Connecting Kids since Kindergarten after the transition from New Life Preschool, and currently he is in six grade. As a parent, I feel safe that my son attends this program. The staff drops off and picks up my son from his school using their vans. They provide snacks before and after school, also the staff provide support for the children with their homework, and they do different activities throughout the day. My son enjoys this program because the staff engages with the students by learning Bible stories.
The Before and After School Program (Connecting Kids) is a great program. My son has been attending Connecting Kids since Kindergarten after the transition from New Life Preschool, and currently he is in six grade. As a parent, I feel safe that my son attends this program. The staff drops off and picks up my son from his school using their vans. They provide snacks before and after school, also the staff provide support for the children with their homework, and they do different activities throughout the day. My son enjoys this program because the staff engages with the students by learning Bible stories.
Juan A
Our son has been attending the New Life after-school program and summer camp for the past few years, and it has been an exceptional experience. We couldn’t be happier with the level of care and attention he receives. The counselors are attentive, professional, and genuinely caring, creating a safe, educational, and fun environment for the children. We highly recommend this program to any family looking for a place where their kids can learn, grow, and enjoy themselves. We look forward to having our children continue attending for many years to come.
Our son has been attending the New Life after-school program and summer camp for the past few years, and it has been an exceptional experience. We couldn’t be happier with the level of care and attention he receives. The counselors are attentive, professional, and genuinely caring, creating a safe, educational, and fun environment for the children. We highly recommend this program to any family looking for a place where their kids can learn, grow, and enjoy themselves. We look forward to having our children continue attending for many years to come.
La Shauna L
My daughter has been attending New Life for almost two years. She started in Kindergarten and went in nervous on her first day. When I picked her up she was all smiles. New Life has been such a blessing for us. I love that they provide breakfast in the morning and do morning drop offs and afternoon pick ups. This has been a life saver for me. The after school program also has homework time. I can tell the staff genuinely care for my daughter and she has been loving her time here. It has given me such a peace of mind knowing my child is well cared for. I love having New Life as a part of our village.
My daughter has been attending New Life for almost two years. She started in Kindergarten and went in nervous on her first day. When I picked her up she was all smiles. New Life has been such a blessing for us. I love that they provide breakfast in the morning and do morning drop offs and afternoon pick ups. This has been a life saver for me. The after school program also has homework time. I can tell the staff genuinely care for my daughter and she has been loving her time here. It has given me such a peace of mind knowing my child is well cared for. I love having New Life as a part of our village.
Victoria S
The staff and teachers at New Life are so amazing! You can see that they take pride in their work and that they take great care of the children. My daughter constantly raves about the breakfast and snacks as oftentimes those are freshly made. Thank you staff and teachers of New Life! We appreciate you!
The staff and teachers at New Life are so amazing! You can see that they take pride in their work and that they take great care of the children. My daughter constantly raves about the breakfast and snacks as oftentimes those are freshly made. Thank you staff and teachers of New Life! We appreciate you!
Vien N
Our daughter has loved connecting kids and so have we! As parents we have felt like our daughter is in safe and capable hands. From helping her with homework to comforting her when she is having a rough day, the staff has been wonderful to her.
Our daughter has loved connecting kids and so have we! As parents we have felt like our daughter is in safe and capable hands. From helping her with homework to comforting her when she is having a rough day, the staff has been wonderful to her.
Jane A
We honestly couldn’t ask for a better experience with Connecting Kids. The teachers are great mentors. They are amazing, so caring, supportive, and genuinely invested in the kids. They have watched our family grow over the years and have played such a big part in helping us raise our three kids. Our kids have built such strong, meaningful relationships here, both with their friends and the staff. It really feels like a second family. It is so much more than just childcare, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do.
We honestly couldn’t ask for a better experience with Connecting Kids. The teachers are great mentors. They are amazing, so caring, supportive, and genuinely invested in the kids. They have watched our family grow over the years and have played such a big part in helping us raise our three kids. Our kids have built such strong, meaningful relationships here, both with their friends and the staff. It really feels like a second family. It is so much more than just childcare, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do.
Practical Information
Fees
Fees vary depending on your child’s schedule. More than just child care, our program provides a safe and welcoming environment where children are cared for, build friendships, and experience a strong sense of belonging in addition to getting their homework done.
We’d be happy to help you find the best option for your family—please contact our office for current rates.
We’d be happy to help you find the best option for your family—please contact our office for current rates.
Schedule Options
Our program offers morning care, after-school care, or full coverage with both before and after care. Families can choose a schedule that works best for them, with 3-day or 5-day enrollment options available.
Enrollment Dates
Enrollment for the upcoming school year typically begins in May, however we accept enrollment year-round as space allows.
Hours
We are open from 6:30am until the start of the school day, and we re-open after school dismissal, providing care until 6:30pm. Our schedule for the year follows ABC School District. We offer full day care for some holidays and student free days.
FAQS
What is your child-to-teacher ratio?
We maintain a 14:1 child-to-teacher ratio, allowing our staff to provide attentive supervision and meaningful support for each child.
Are you a licensed facility?
Our centers are state-licensed and regularly inspected to make sure everything meets or exceeds standards, including child-to-teacher ratios and safe facilities.
Are immunizations required?
Yes, our program follows the same immunization requirements established by the ABC School District, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all children.
What grades do you accept?
Our program welcomes children from kindergarten through 6th grade
Do kindergarteners have to walk to the van after school?
No, our staff personally picks up kindergarteners directly from their classrooms or from the designated kindergarten gate, depending on each school’s procedures, ensuring a safe and smooth transition.
Do you offer homework help or tutoring?
We provide homework support in a structured, encouraging environment. Staff are available to guide students, answer questions, and help them stay on track. While we do not offer formal tutoring, we focus on building good study habits - while still allowing time for play and connection after school.
What is your discipline policy
We use a positive, respectful approach to guidance, focusing on clear expectations, consistency, and helping children make good choices. Our goal is to support social and emotional growth while maintaining a safe and caring environment for all students. We also communicate with parents as needed, partnering together to support each child’s success.
Are background checks conducted on staff?
Yes, all staff members are fingerprinted and undergo comprehensive background checks to ensure a safe and secure environment for every child.
Still have questions, contact us here. Can we put a phone icon and the phone number and the email address linked? 562-924-4466 x226 connectingkids@nl-cc.org
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