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Most working parents’ jobs go beyond 3 p.m., making after-school care essential. The question, then, typically becomes: What are the differences between an after-school nanny vs. after-school care? Does one make more sense than the other from a practical, developmental or financial standpoint?
After-school nannies are private caregivers who give one-on-one care to children after school in their (typically, the child’s) home, explains Stephanie Fornaro, founder and CEO of Hello, Nanny!, a boutique nanny agency. On the other hand, after-school programs, are held either at schools or nearby community centers. “In these programs, children are looked after in a group by teachers or staff members,” explains Fornaro.
Weighing after-school care vs. an after-school nanny? From what each form of care includes to pros and cons to cost considerations, here’s what to know about both.
Key takeaways
- After-school nannies cost $20-35 per hour, while after-school programs typically run $100-200 per week. This makes programs substantially more affordable for most families.
- Nannies provide one-on-one, personalized attention tailored to your child’s specific needs and routines, while programs offer less individualized care but provide built-in socialization opportunities with peers of different ages.
- Nannies offer the convenience of home-based care and flexible scheduling, including potential holiday coverage. Programs have fixed pickup times and may not operate during school breaks, but don’t require backup care arrangements.
- Home-based nanny care allows children to unwind in familiar surroundings after long school days, while programs expose kids to diverse social interactions and structured group activities that can enhance social-emotional development.
- Regardless of choice, both options typically include homework help, snacks and safe supervision. The decision ultimately comes down to your family’s specific budget, schedule and what type of environment you believe will best serve your child’s needs.
What is an after-school nanny?
After-school nannies typically pick kids up from school (or at the bus stop) and look after them at home until mom and/or dad are back from work, explains Fornaro. “Some may also stay longer during school breaks or for date nights,” she notes.
According to Fornarno and Elizabeth Fraley, a former early elementary program director and the current CEO of Kinder Ready, a program dedicated to supporting children’s education at home, after-school nanny duties may include:
- School pick-up.
- Homework help.
- Preparing snacks.
- Driving to sports and activities.
- Light cooking as needed.
- Light tidying.
“After-school nannies guide children through play, remain attuned to their social and emotional needs, dietary requirements and overall health and safety,” notes Fraley. “They also help children stay aware of and follow predictable routines throughout the afternoon and evening following their school day.”
Pros and cons of an after-school nanny
Like all child care setups, after-school nannies come with benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few to consider.
Pros of hiring an after-school nanny
Personalized attention
With an after-school nanny, your child is getting completely personalized, often one-on-one care (depending on siblings or if you’re part of a nanny share). “This is great for families who value meeting their child’s specific needs and routines, especially when the child has a busy or structured schedule with extracurricular activities,” says Fornaro.
More time home
No doubt, school days can feel long, so having to go somewhere else after can wipe some kids out. Children respond best to routines and the predictability of being at home, according to research. “After a long day at school, it’s often more desirable for them to unwind in the comfort and convenience of their own space,” says Fraley.
Less time commuting
Hiring an after-school nanny can also reduce drive time, compared to transporting children to and from a program, points out Fraley — a definite benefit for working parents who just want to get home.
Flexible care
Fornaro notes that, in many cases, after-school nannies “offer flexible scheduling and can often provide care during school holidays or breaks.”
Cons of hiring an after-school nanny
Cost
Generally, after-school nannies are pricier than after-school programs (more on this shortly).
“Because they are private caregivers working one-on-one with children and offering tailored support, after-school nannies are typically more expensive than group-based programs,” notes Fornarno. “The cost can vary depending on the nanny’s experience and qualifications, making it a higher investment for many families.”
Backup care is required
When an after-school nanny is sick or unavailable, you may be left without child care, making it important to find backup care on the front end.
“After-school nannies guide children through play, remain attuned to their social and emotional needs, dietary requirements and overall health and safety. They also help children stay aware of and follow predictable routines throughout the afternoon and evening following their school day.”
— Elizabeth Fraley, a former early elementary program director
What is an after-school care program?
After-school programs take place off-site, Fraley notes, typically at a school or private facility, and offer a “mix of recreational and academic activities.”
“‘After-school’ starts when the school day ends and ends in the evening or when parents get out of work,” explains Rebecca Carlin, CEO at Wisconsin Youth Company, an after-school and summer care program. “Depending on the district and program, after-school programs can range from 2:30 to 6 p.m., and are generally for children in kindergarten through grade 5, with some programs for middle school-aged kids.”
Activities potentially included in after-school care programs are:
- Homework time.
- Snacks.
- Fitness games and activities.
- Arts and crafts.
- STEM.
- Music.
- Free time.
Pros and cons of after-school care
Consider the following when deciding on an after-school care program.
Pros
Socialization
“After-school programs may offer more opportunities for social and emotional development through increased time with peers,” Fraley notes. “These programs often include a variety of students from different age groups. A multi-age environment can benefit younger children by exposing them to more advanced vocabulary used by older students, while older children can reinforce what they’ve learned and build rapport with younger peers they might not normally interact with during the school day.”
More affordable
Typically, after-school programs are more cost-effective than hiring a private nanny, due to the group setting.
Safety
After-school care programs are generally licensed and follow state safety rules and regulations, Fornaro notes, which can offer peace of mind for parents. (That said, due to the number of children, there’s often a higher injury risk with after-care programs, points out Fornaro.)
Consistency
While an after-school program isn’t in the comfort of a child’s home, it does provide “a consistent daily routine that parents and kids can count on,” says Fornaro. Additionally, parents don’t need backup care with after-care, as there are multiple people on staff.
Cons
Less personalized care
“Children don’t receive as much one-on-one attention in after-care,” says Fornaro, “and staff may not be able to adjust to the specific needs of each family.”
More germs
More kids equals more germs, which can be particularly noticeable during cold and flu season, points out Fraley.
Less flexibility
Even though backup care isn’t an issue with after-school care, there are fixed pick-up times, Fornaro notes, adding: “Some don’t provide care during holiday or school breaks.”
Cost considerations
Typically, after-school nannies are more expensive than after-care programs. “Nannies often charge between $20–$35 per hour, depending on experience and location,” notes Fornaro. “After-school programs, in contrast, generally cost around $100–$200 per week, often billed monthly, with the added possibility of sibling or school-employee discounts.”
Read more:
Key differences between an after-school nanny and after-school program
Here are the biggest differences between an after-school program vs. nanny, per Fornaro, Fraley and Carlin:
| Key differences | After-School nanny | After-school care program |
| Location | Home | School or center |
| Backup care required | Yes | No |
| Cost | Around $20-35/hour (hours needed can vary) | Around $100-200/week |
| Personalized care | Yes | No |
| Built-in socialization | No | Yes |
| Homework help | Yes | Yes |
| Wiggle room to run late | Yes | No |
Choosing between an after-school nanny vs. after-school care
Since no two families are alike, there’s no “better” option when it comes to after-school care. When deciding between an after-school nanny and an after-school program, Carlin notes, families should consider what works best for their schedule, lifestyle and budget.
