Dandelion Aftercare:
A Joyful, Self-Directed Social Emotional Learning Program
At Dandelion Aftercare, kids don’t just spend the afternoon—they thrive.
We believe young people deserve the time, space, and support to explore their interests, follow their curiosity, and grow in ways that feel meaningful to them. We also believe that real social-emotional learning happens best through play, connection, and experiences that are naturally engaging and joyful.
Rooted in care—for ourselves, each other, and our environment—Dandelion Aftercare is a space where kids build relationships, develop independence, and make choices about how they spend their time. Each afternoon, we offer a mix of creative activities, group games, hands-on projects, and neighborhood adventures, plus a nourishing snack to keep everyone energized.
What Does a Day Look Like?
Every day is different! Kids might:
🌿 Cook or bake something delicious
🎨 Get creative with arts and crafts
🎭 Dive into dramatic play
🎶 Move and dance to music
🏃♂️ Play indoor or outdoor games
🌳 Explore parks and local businesses on neighborhood walks
💡 Dream up their own activities—and make them happen!
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Action
Dandelion Aftercare isn’t just fun—it’s also a place where kids build essential life skills. Our facilitators intentionally connect activities to the CASEL framework for Social Emotional Learning (SEL), helping kids develop:
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Self-awareness: Understanding their emotions and strengths
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Self-management: Navigating big feelings and making thoughtful choices
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Social awareness: Practicing empathy and considering others’ perspectives
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Relationship skills: Communicating, collaborating, and resolving conflicts
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Responsible decision-making: Thinking critically and making choices with care
By blending play, autonomy, and meaningful relationships, we help kids deepen their connection to themselves, their peers, and the world around them.
Kids from local elementary schools and homeschool communities are welcome!
24-25 Aftercare
Program Details
NOTE: Limited spots available!
Please complete the enrollment form .
1-5 day options: Monday-Friday
Program invoiced monthly at $37/day ($63 for early school pick up days)
South philly school pickups
Dandelion Aftercare offers free pick ups from:
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Coppin Elementary
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Southwark Elementary
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Kirkbride Elementary
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Vare-Washington Elementary (Tuesday/Thursdays only)
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If you are from a different South Philly school and are interested, reach out!
DISTRICT Early Dismissals + Closures
When the School District of Philadelphia has an early dismissal, our staff picks up young people from school at their dismissal time. When the School District of Philadelphia has off from school, or an uplanned weather or emergency closure, we will NOT host Dandelion Aftercare.
24-25 Dates + Rates
The daily rate for aftercare is $37 ($63 for half day pick up). Enrollees are billed monthly according to the number of aftercare days in that month. Families are not charged for holidays.
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Aftercare runs Monday-Friday until 6pm. Families can choose 2, 3, or 5 day options
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First Day of Aftercare is Monday, August 26, 2024
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Last Aftercare day is Thursday, June 12, 2025.
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To register, pay the first month's invoice. We'll invoice you monthly after that.
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District Half Day EARLY PICK UPS: 9/27, 11/27, 12/13, 1/30, 1/31, 2/7, 3/7, 3/27, 3/28, 5/9, 6/11, 6/12
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NO AFTERCARE on district days off: 9/2, 10/3, 11/5, 11/15, 11/28, 11/29, 12/23-1/3, 1/20, 1/29, 2/17, 3/31, 4/14-4/18, 5/20, 5/26, 6/6
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Registration
To register for the 24-25 academic year, complete the Enrollment Form.
We'll send you the first month's invoice, and enrollment will be confirmed once payment is received. Please reach out with any questions. Our program is FULL, completing the Enrollment Form will add you to our Waitlist.
Billing + CANCELLATION policy
We bill Aftercare on a monthly basis based on the number of scheduled days in a given month, including any early pickups. We do not prorate or discount monthly tuition for vacation or sick leave because consistent income allows us to fund our program and adequately pay our staff. Families can cancel their Aftercare enrollment for any reason, and we kindly request 30 days notice when ending your Aftercare agreement. Please reach out with any extenuating circumstances.
COVID-19 Policy
We believe that Covid-19 pandemic is still occuring, and we will monitor community spread and respond with updated policy as needed to keep our community as safe as possible. As of June 5, 2023, all programs from The Dandelion Project are mask optional. If young people have mild symptoms (runny nose, cough, etc.) that do not prevent them from participating in the program, we'll ask them to mask until symptoms resolve. We may need to change our policy throughout the year as new information becomes available.