Parents in need of after-school child care have a free option with the Fun Recreation Education and Enrichment (F.R.E.E.) After School Program operated by the city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. The program offers a safe place for parents to leave their children after school. Children can get help with homework, participate in science and cooking activities, or arts and crafts, and play in outdoor organized games.
On school days, the program is open from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with an additional hour (1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) on Thursdays. On early dismissal days the program begins at 12:30 p.m. Families can design a flexible schedule to fit their needs.
Available to children ages 5 to 12, the F.R.E.E. program is held at 1619 S. Thornburg St. in Santa Maria. Onsite pre-registration is required and available on any school day between 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For more information, call Barbara Wiley, Youth Programs administrator, at the Recreation and Parks Department, 925-0951, Ext. 264.
