For decades, the primary purpose of after-school programs has been clear: to keep kids safe, help them complete their homework, and send them home prepared for the next school day. But is that enough?
In fact, here’s the question we don’t ask often enough: By limiting after-school programs to homework help, are we selling children—and our programs—short?
This may ruffle some feathers. Many parents expect homework support, and many directors feel pressured to deliver it. However, leading experts in child development, education, and program design are increasingly pointing to a larger, richer, and more future-oriented role for after-school programs.
Today, we’ll explore what the research actually says, why “homework help only” programs may risk missing the mark, and how shifting toward whole-child growth could strengthen loyalty, outcomes, and yes—revenue—for your center.
Homework has become the de facto backbone of many after-school programs. Parents often view it as a practical service:
Programs that advertise homework help often find it to be a strong enrollment hook. But there’s a catch: homework is not always a reliable measure of learning, nor is it a holistic way to nurture growth.
In fact, according to education researcher Harris Cooper, homework in elementary years shows limited academic benefits. More hours of practice don’t always equal more understanding. Worse, for some children, homework-heavy evenings can create frustration, stress, and burnout.
So, if homework isn’t the gold standard for growth, what should after-school programs really be prioritizing?
“Whole-child growth” is not a new idea, but it’s gaining momentum in after-school discussions. It emphasizes that children thrive when their programs:
Organizations like the Afterschool Alliance and CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) have consistently shown that programs emphasizing SEL, arts, sports, and project-based learning deliver lasting benefits far beyond what worksheets can achieve.
In fact, studies indicate that children who participate in whole-child-focused after-school programs show better attendance, improved behavior, and stronger long-term academic outcomes than those in homework-only programs.
Here’s where I may lose some of you: homework should not be the central promise of an after-school program.
Yes, offer support. Yes, make space for it. But don’t let it define your program.
If your website, your flyers, or your conversations with parents start with “we help kids finish homework,” you’re underselling your true potential.
Instead, imagine reframing your pitch:
That shift doesn’t just change how families see you. It can transform loyalty, enrollment, and the sustainability of your center.
One reason directors hesitate to lean into whole-child growth is logistics. How do you balance activities, track progress, communicate with parents, and still keep operations smooth?
That’s where smarter tools come in. With platforms like childcare management software, after-school directors can streamline administration so staff can focus more on programming.
Here’s how technology supports whole-child growth:
When operations are managed by software, directors have space to be leaders—not just managers of paperwork. That’s when whole-child growth becomes possible at scale.
If homework is your program’s anchor, you may face these risks:
In contrast, programs that position themselves around whole-child development can:
Skeptical? Fair enough. Here’s how you can test the idea without overhauling your whole program:
Even if you’re hesitant to let go of homework help, the data you collect from these experiments will guide smarter decisions.
Homework is not irrelevant. It’s a piece of the puzzle. But after-school directors and childcare leaders have an opportunity — and perhaps a responsibility — to aim higher.
By reframing your program around whole-child growth, supported by tools like childcare management software, you’re not just helping children finish tasks. You’re preparing them to thrive.
And here’s the kicker: programs that embrace this vision often see greater customer loyalty, higher retention, and stronger revenue growth.
The future of after-school isn’t about worksheets. It’s about futures.
Every director faces the same daily pressures: limited staff, budget constraints, and parent demands. It’s tempting to stay safe with the familiar “we help with homework” message. But safe isn’t always sustainable. Parents can find homework help anywhere—a tutor, an online app, even a quiet corner at home.
What they can’t easily find is a program that:
That’s your opportunity. That’s your differentiator. And that’s the future of after-school programs worth leading.
So, should we retire homework help as the core promise of after-school care? The experts say yes. The market signals yes. The question is: are you ready to lead the pivot?