After School

What to Know

The PS 261 PTA Afterschool is a PTA-led, professionally directed program offering affordable, high-quality childcare with enrichment classes to our school community, Pre-K through 5th grade.

How it Works

Led by Afterschool Director Ms. Sandra Bodden, the program offers 70+ different arts and athletic classes during Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions, serving more than 250 children each weekday. We also produce a spectacular Spring Musical.

The program runs from 2:35 pm (when the school day ends) to 6 pm sharp. The Afterschool office is open from 11 am to 6 pm.   Our phone number is (718) 330-9275 x5016 and our email address is ps261afterschool@gmail.com.

2024-2025 Sessions

Fall

Thursday, Sept 5 through Monday, Dec 23 (with enrichment classes starting on Tuesday, Oct 1)

Winter

Thursday, Jan 2 through Thursday, March 28

Spring

Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, June 25 (with enrichment classes ending June 9)

New to the Afterschool program?,

Registering your family for a Jackrabbit Parent Portal account

Reading Frequently Asked Questions. 

Centering and Connecting

What it is Like

Afterschool tuition includes care from dismissal until 6 pm, a healthy snack, outdoor recess in the Big Yard (construction and weather permitting), and an enrichment class. 

It costs $32, per child, per day, or about $640 a month for full-time care depending on the school’s schedule. Billed monthly. Pay by credit or debit card, or ACH through the Jackrabbit Parent Portal. 

PS261 Afterschool is a program of the PS 261 PTA,  a non-profit 501(c)3.  More than 15% of our operating budget supports our community financial aid program, featuring need-based, sliding-scale tuition from $1.50 per child, per day. Your support for Afterschool child care also funds the Afterschool Spring Musical and the PTA’s recess counselor program.

Before School Care

Families can also sign up for the 261 PTA early-dropoff program organized by Afterschool. A $40 monthly tuition fee per family covers Before School Care every day or as needed, but you must register first to participate. 

Before School Care starts at 7:30am each school day, a warm, welcoming space for quiet activities, Pre-K through 5th grade. No need to schedule care in advance—just drop off at the Pacific Street school entrance. Children are supervised in the Auditorium until the school day begins at 8:17am. Then students can pick up school breakfast to take to their classrooms. 

How to register:

  1. If you are new to Afterschool, start by registering your family in the Jackrabbit Parent Portal.

  2. Complete the Before School Application and Release 2024-5 (one form per family).  You can email the Before School application to ps261afterschool@gmail.com or drop it off in the Afterschool office in September. 

Monthly tuition is billed through the Parent Portal.  If the $40 fee is a hardship,  email ps261afterschool@gmail.com to request a fee waiver. We’ll take care of it!