In part four of our Back To School series we are taking a look at after school programs, both athletic and academic to find out what is available for kids and their parents.

Cecilia Longoria is the mother of one. She says, "There's always someone around for her." Longoria's daughter Kendra is going in to third grade. She's been in the Madison School District's Safe Haven child care program since she started school, which gives her mom peace of mind. Longoria says, "I work full time from seven in the morning until almost five o'clock, so then I have her taken care of and I don't have to be concerned about where she's going to be."

A concern the school district recognizes and is responding to. Lucy Chaffin is the Director of Madison School and Community Recreation and says opportunities have increased over the last 10 years. Chaffin says, "Between 3:00 and 6:00 pm is the time when children are the most vulnerable to crime or to get into trouble, so it's prevention and it's also to keep kids safe."

But the programs offer more. Kendra is also building social bonds with her peers and is learning things she wouldn't ordinarily learn during school. Longoria says, "Extra math, learning computer stuff, they had Spanish last year, some things like that, some extra art classes and stuff, she really likes that." Longoria is one of hundreds of parents who rely on after school programs like Safe Haven, Youth Resource Programs and clubs offered at Madison schools.

Ian Hannah works with middle school kids during what he calls a very influential time. Hannah says, "For some kids the after school program can be the real draw to come to school, so I think it's a real benefit for some kids in particular." And offers them opportunities both academically and athletically clear through high school. Chaffin says, "Connecting kids to school in a different way where they may not have such an easy time during school, after school is fun. Clubs and child care are fun, and yet we do homework and we have tutoring in some programs, we have academic supports."

Rounding out each child's school experience while giving them a safe alternative to being home alone while they're parents finish up the work day.

The Madison School District does offer reduced rates to families who need the help. Spots are limited, so to find out what resources are available in your district, including tutoring opportunities, contact your child's school.