Navigating before and after school care

Finding a before and after school care (BASC) provider for a child on the autism spectrum involves careful planning and consideration.

The transition from the structure of the classroom environment to a more relaxed after-school setting can be challenging. Still, with the right preparation and support, it can be managed successfully, providing fun and rewarding experiences for the child.

Understanding BASC options

Many schools and community groups offer BASC services, which provide supervised care outside regular school hours. These programs are designed to accommodate children of various needs, including those on the autism spectrum. It’s important to do plenty of research into BASC options for your child, particularly to determine how inclusive their policies and procedures are. 

Key questions to ask

When looking into potential BASC providers, families should consider the following points to determine if the service is supportive and inclusive:

Inclusion policy

Review the program's inclusion policy to ensure it meets your child’s needs and your family’s expectations. This policy should detail how the program accommodates children with additional needs and collaborates with families and professionals to deliver support.

Program adaptability

Ask how flexible the service is in adapting activities to include all children. Ensuring your child can participate in activities on offer without feeling unsupported or excluded is important for their social and emotional wellbeing.

Support and training for staff

Confirm that the BASC staff has appropriate training to handle the specific needs of children on the autism spectrum, including understanding sensory sensitivities and communication challenges.

Accessibility and assistance

Confirm whether the staff can assist your child in transitioning to and from the BASC room and their regular classroom and vice versa. This is particularly important when your child first starts attending, as it helps them adjust to this new transition in their routine and become familiar with the staff at the centre who can support them.

Communication strategies

Determine how the provider will communicate with you about your child's day-to-day experiences and any issues that might arise. Effective communication is essential for maintaining a consistent support network for your child.

Funding and external support

The Child Care Subsidy is a federal government initiative that can assist families with the cost of child care services, including before and after school care. Families with children with a disability may be eligible for this subsidy until their child is 18.

State and territory governments may also have funding options; however, these vary. Often, this involves BASC centres applying for funding they can use when your child attends the service. This funding could go towards employing additional staff or tailoring programs and procedures to better include your child. Families should ask whether their chosen BASC service has experience applying for and using these funding options.

Preparing for before and after school care

A significant transition, such as starting BASC, requires support from the child’s family and the service itself. Here are some strategies for supporting an autistic child:

Visiting

An in-person visit can help the child become familiar with the new environment, staff, and routine, reducing anxiety and helping them settle in.

Communication tools

Visual schedules or social stories at home and school can help the child understand what to expect at BASC.

Support strategies

Discussing potential challenges and their solutions with BASC staff, such as providing a quieter space for downtime or creating more structure to reduce anxiety, can prevent behavioural and mental health challenges. 

Feedback and communication

Setting up a system to receive regular updates from BASC staff and providing them with insights and updates on your child's needs and progress ensures your child receives consistent support. This could involve filling out a book or scheduling phone calls or in-person meetings. 

Vacation care for autistic children

School holidays present a unique opportunity for children to relax, engage in different activities, and enjoy a break from the school routine. However, this change in routine can sometimes be difficult for autistic children and their families. This is where vacation care programs can help. 

Vacation care programs are essential services that operate during school holidays to provide care and structured activities for children. These programs are particularly helpful for parents who work during the day or families who wish to maintain a similar routine to school for their children. For children with autism, these programs provide support and engagement while allowing them to participate in fun activities with their peers.

Choosing the right vacation care program involves following a similar process to finding the right BASC provider. Allowing your child plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the new environment is important for reducing their anxiety and helping them to understand new routines, people and activities. It also helps staff understand your child’s support needs. Communicating frequently with the staff at a vacation care centre is also vital, as it helps them to understand your child’s needs, preferences, and strategies that support their engagement and participation. 

There are also some funding options to support vacation care centres to accommodate autistic children. Contact your vacation care provider to learn more.