Before & After School Care | Skokie Park District

Join Skokie's Place for All Children in Extended Care (SPACE)

This recreational program is offered through the Skokie Park District for children K–5, in cooperation with School Districts 68, 69, 72, 73, and 73.5.

About the Program

Designed to serve the needs of working parents in the Skokie community, SPACE programs are held in Skokie school facilities and offer before- and after-school recreational programs. Care is available during the school year, Monday through Friday, mornings starting at 7 a.m.–the start of school, and afternoons from school end–6 p.m. (times vary based on school district). Fees include an afternoon snack and recreational and educational activities in a safe and nurturing environment. Skokie Park District staff oversee a wide variety of activities including homework help, active games, arts & crafts, outdoor play and more. Our goal is to promote social interaction, independence, self-esteem, creativity, and problem-solving skills among all children. The Skokie Park District Staff is committed to building a cooperative and supportive relationship with each family.

Goodbye Summer, Hello SPACE Parent Orientation Guide

New! Learn & Play SPACE Program (formerly known as Extended Preschool)

New for the 2025-26 school year, join the Skokie Park District's cost effective, on-site Learn & Play SPACE Program for children enrolled in half day preschool at Elizabeth Meyer School. This new and improved program will have all the same familiar faces and format, including Brain Breaks for students who are in the longer classroom day. A detailed schedule of the day will be shared in the Welcome Letter sent to those enrolled by August 2025. This program is designed for families looking for full day options enrolled in an a.m. or p.m. slot of preschool at Elizabeth Meyer School who then will join our half day coordinating program. Please note that each student must be potty trained by the first day of class.

SPACE Registration 2024-25

Please note a new application is required for each new school year.

Register here for Elizabeth Meyer Extended Preschool and SPACE Program Registration. Please note: extended preschool is only offered as a full-time option (5 days a week).

You will not receive an email confirmation when you submit your application. Once your registration has been processed you will receive an email receipt from info@skokieparks.org. Alternately, you can check your household for 24-25 SPACE Registration in your purchase history: Login>My Account>My History

SPACE registration is open for the 2024-25 school year through August 1, 2024. Beginning August 2, only waitlist applications will be accepted. No new registrations will be made until late September.

Dates for 2025–26 SPACE Registration

February 24: Learn & Play SPACE Program registration packet will become available.
Email styler@skokieparks.org to receive a link.

May 5: Returning families will be emailed a link to register.

June 2: A registration link will be made available on this webpage.

August 1: Registration will close for all families. Any applications received August 2 or after will be placed on a waitlist and assessed in late September.

SPACE Enrollment Options

Full-Time: 4–5 days a week, with AM only, PM only, or AM & PM options
Part-Time: Select up to 3 days a week to attend. AM only, PM only, or AM & PM options. Days must stay consistent.

SPACE Fees for the 2025–26 school year

	Part-time (1–3 days/week)	Full-time (4–5 days/week)
Before School (beginning at 7 a.m.)	$657/school year $73/month	$882/school year $98/month
After School (ending at 6 p.m.)	$1,507/school year $167/month	$2,097/school year $233/month
Learn & Play SPACE Program AM: 8:30 a.m. to noon PM: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.		$2,466/school year $274/month

A $35 non-refundable family registration fee is due at the time of registration
Monthly fees may be paid in full or on a 9-month payment plan.
9 monthly payments will be billed on the 25th of each month, beginning August 25, 2025 and concluding on April 25, 2026.
Pay in full at the time of registration and receive a 5% discount of program fees!
Fees do not include days when school is not in session (holidays, institute days, etc.)