KinderCare’s Champions Calls for Greater Access to Affordable After-School Care as Family Demand Grows

Champions joins Lights On Afterschool to advocate for sustainable child care funding and expand access to quality before- and after-school programs for working families

Key takeaways

• Families need greater access to affordable before- and after-school care. Demand continues to exceed available space in programs, leaving families navigating gaps between the school day and workday.
• Federal child care funding plays a critical role in supporting school-age families. About 44% of children served through the Child Care and Development Fund are school-age, demonstrating the importance of child care funding beyond early childhood.
• Champions helps bridge the gap for families. Champions works with school districts, communities and policymakers to expand families' access to high quality before- and after-school programs.

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KinderCare Learning Companies (NYSE: KLC) (“KinderCare”), a leading provider of high-quality early childhood education and care, is highlighting the need for more affordable, accessible out-of-school time care for working families through its participation in Lights On Afterschool, a national initiative led by the Afterschool Alliance.

For families across the country, finding care doesn’t end when a child enters elementary school or when the school bell rings. The school day and workday rarely run on the same schedule, and many families face limited program availability, waitlists and affordability challenges when looking for care before school, after dismissal and during school breaks.

According to KinderCare Learning Companies’ 2026 Parent Confidence Index, conducted by The Harris Poll, 81% of U.S. parents say being a parent means constantly thinking about child care gaps.

Champions®, KinderCare’s before- and after-school program in schools across the country, helps families bridge those gaps with programs before school, after dismissal and during school breaks. Champions operates on school grounds at more than 1,100 elementary and middle schools nationwide, helping families access care in a familiar and convenient location.

“Families shouldn’t have to choose between finding a safe, engaging place for their child after school and whether they can afford that care,” said Dan Figurski, president of Champions and KinderCare for Employers. “We see firsthand how important these programs are to working families and how quickly available spaces can fill. Public investment in school-age care can help communities create more access, support more families and ensure children have a place to learn, build friendships and belong beyond the school day.”

Federal child care funding is an important part of that equation. The Child Care and Development Block Fund (CCDF) helps eligible working families afford child care for children through age 13. About 44% of children served through CCDF are school-age, with approximately 600,000 school-age children receiving assistance each month for before-school, after-school, summer or other school-age care. With millions of eligible families still waiting for assistance, greater federal investment in CCDF is needed to ensure that more children and families can access the care they need.

"We are thrilled that Champions programs across the country are holding Lights On Afterschool events this month and grateful for their tireless efforts to increase support for afterschool," said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. "Afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and give working parents peace of mind that their kids are engaged and learning after the school day ends. But because we haven't invested nearly enough in afterschool, for every child in a program, three more are shut out. That's why each year, the Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to spotlight all that afterschool programs do for students, families and communities, and the need for more investment. Now more than ever, we must all work to ensure no child misses out on the critical support afterschool programs provide."

As part of Lights On Afterschool, Champions programs across the country will welcome families, school officials, community leaders and elected officials to experience out-of-school time programs firsthand and see the role they play in supporting children and working families.

“We know kids are learning wherever they are, so when they’re in a high-quality environment, like Champions, with trained and caring adults, it makes such a big difference in who they become,” said Oklahoma State Representative Suzanne E. Schreiber. “Afterschool programs are a critical part of our community and not only give families peace of mind but also bring fun, friends and learning for our kids.”

KinderCare works year-round with school districts, communities and policymakers to elevate the needs of working families and support solutions that expand access to high-quality out-of-school time care. Continued, sustainable investment in child care can help ensure more families can find and afford the care they need, while providing learning enrichment to complement a student’s classroom experience.

“Our responsibility to students and families extends beyond the school bell," said Executive Director Marla Mayberry, Tulsa Public Schools. "Access to affordable, high-quality before- and after-school care provides students with a safe place to learn, connect, and belong, while helping working families manage their daily responsibilities. Partnerships like Champions help us respond to those needs and strengthen the support available to our school communities.”

Champions’ commitment to high-quality out-of-school time programs also earned recognition through Lights On Afterschool, which honored Kathryn Czerwinski, a Champions Area Manager in California, for her leadership in advancing expanded learning opportunities.

“[Czerwinski] exemplifies innovative leadership through her commitment to building strong partnerships, investing in professional development and creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive,” said Christopher Stephens, coordinator of the System of Support for Expanded Learning at the San Diego County Office of Education, who nominated Czerwinski for the award. “Her focus on intentional hiring, continuous coaching and collaboration with school leaders demonstrates how strong relationships and shared values drive quality expanded learning programs and strengthen California's Expanded Learning ecosystem.”

Champions is offering families a free day at participating sites and programs across the country throughout October, giving families an opportunity to experience Champions firsthand. To find a program and learn more, visit DiscoverChampions.com.

About KinderCare Learning Companies™

KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE: KLC) is a leading private provider of early childhood and school-age education and care. KinderCare builds confidence for life in children and families from all backgrounds. KinderCare supports hardworking families in 42 states and the District of Columbia with differentiated flexible child care solutions through its portfolio of brands and services:

• KinderCare^® Learning Centers: early learning programs for children six weeks to 12 years old;
• The Crème School^®: a premium early education experience using a variety of enrichment classrooms;
• Champions^®: before- and after-school programs in local schools, and
• Customized child care benefits created in partnership with employers, including child care on or near the site where their parents work, as well as tuition benefits and backup care across all our programs.

Headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, KinderCare operates more than 2,700 early learning centers and sites.