City of Rochester expands after-school care program with new location for the 2026-2027 school year

Rochester, New York – As families begin planning for the upcoming school year, the City of Rochester is expanding its after-school childcare services with the addition of a new location, giving more children access to affordable supervision and enrichment once the school day ends.

Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 school year for the city’s After School in the Park program, which serves children between the ages of 6 and 11. The program will continue at Cobbs Hill Park, located at 100 Norris Drive, while also introducing a second site at the recently opened Maplewood Nature Center at 107 Bridge View Drive. The expansion marks the first time the nature center will host the city’s after-school program.

City officials say the additional location is designed to reach more families looking for dependable and affordable care during the afternoon hours. The move also reflects ongoing efforts to provide children with safe spaces where they can continue learning, stay active and build friendships after classes end.

“A safe, supportive environment with opportunities to learn, play and make new friends – that’s what parent and guardians can count on when they enroll their children in After School in the Park,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “And this year, with the opening of our new Maplewood Nature Center, we’re able to make affordable after-school care accessible for even more students and families in our community.”

The program will run from Sept. 8, 2026, through June 24, 2027, following the regular school calendar. Children enrolled will be able to attend from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on school days. Families who register for the full academic year will pay $120 per week for the service.

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Participants can expect a variety of activities that change throughout the year and differ between locations. Depending on the season and site, children may receive homework assistance, participate in arts and dance activities, take part in nature-based learning experiences or enjoy other educational and recreational programs aimed at keeping them engaged after school.

The city noted that the childcare program is regulated by the Office of Children and Family Services, while Department of Social Services childcare subsidies are accepted for eligible families. This helps make the program accessible to a wider range of households seeking quality after-school care.

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Another feature included in the full-year enrollment is access to Break Week Camps during winter, February and spring recesses, based on the Rochester City School District calendar. Those camps are automatically included in the annual program cost, giving parents and guardians consistent childcare options throughout the academic year while offering children additional opportunities for structured activities during school breaks.

Families interested in enrolling can now complete registration for the 2026-2027 school year through the city’s After School in the Park website or contact program staff for additional information.