For working parents in Victorville, the school day almost never lines up with the workday. School lets out at 2:30 or 3:00; most jobs don't. That gap — plus the hour or two before school starts — is exactly what before and after school care is built to solve, and it's one of the most searched-for kinds of child care in the High Desert for a reason.
Here's what actually matters when you're comparing options, and what a typical day looks like when it's done well.
Why Before and After School Care Matters for Working Families
Without reliable before/after school care, parents are often left choosing between leaving young children unsupervised, relying on a patchwork of favors from family and neighbors, or missing work. A structured program closes that gap consistently, every school day, rather than being a favor that can fall through.
It also does more than just supervise — a good program uses those hours productively, with homework support and structured activities instead of simply waiting for pickup time.
What a Good Before/After School Program Should Include
When comparing programs in Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, or anywhere in the surrounding area, look for:
Licensed staff with background checks — non-negotiable, and easy to verify by asking for the facility's license number directly.
Homework help and tutoring support, not just free play — kids get schoolwork handled before they're home for the evening.
A consistent daily structure (circle time, reading time, activities) rather than unstructured downtime.
Healthy snacks or meals included, not an extra fee tacked on.
Clear drop-off and pick-up logistics that work with your actual commute times.
Small group sizes, which generally means more individual attention for homework help and fewer scheduling surprises.
What a Typical Day Looks Like at All Stars Family Day Care
At All Stars Family Day Care, before and after school care follows a consistent daily rhythm rather than unstructured "wait time":
Circle time and check-in to start the session
Homework and schoolwork help, including subject-specific tutoring support when needed
Story time and reading practice
Structured indoor and outdoor play
A snack or meal, included as part of the program under California's child nutrition guidelines
This structure is designed so that by the time a parent picks their child up, homework is largely done and the evening isn't a rush to fit it all in.
Which Ages Qualify for Before and After School Care?
All Stars Family Day Care's before and after school program is available for school-age children, generally ages 5 through 14 — covering everything from early elementary through middle school, which is often the hardest age range for parents to find consistent after-school coverage for.
How This Works with CCRC and County Subsidy Programs
Before and after school care is one of the services covered under both CCRC and San Bernardino County subsidy programs, the same way full-day infant and toddler care is. If you're already receiving assistance — or think you might qualify — this coverage typically extends to before/after school hours as well. For a full walkthrough of how CCRC and county subsidy programs work, income guidelines, and the application process, see our guide to affordable child care in Victorville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does before school care start, and after school care end?
Hours are flexible to match working parents' schedules — contact us directly with your specific drop-off and pick-up needs and we'll confirm we can accommodate them.
Do you provide transportation to and from school?
Contact us directly to discuss transportation coordination for your child's specific school, since this can vary by location.
Is homework help included, or is it an extra cost?
Homework help and schoolwork support are a built-in part of the before/after school program, not a separate add-on.
Can I use before/after school care during school breaks and summer too?
Contact us to discuss extended-day or full-day coverage during school breaks, since scheduling needs often change outside the regular school year.
Do you accept CCRC or county subsidy programs for before/after school care specifically?
Yes — before and after school care is covered under the same CCRC and San Bernardino County subsidy programs that apply to our other age groups.
Need reliable before or after school care that fits your work schedule? Contact All Stars Family Day Care or schedule a tour to see the program in person.
