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Dandelion
After school

Mon-FRI
until 6pm

​Dandelion After school:

A Joyful, Self-Directed Social Emotional Learning Program

 

At Dandelion After School, kids don’t just spend the afternoon—they thrive.

 

We believe young people deserve the time, space, and support to explore their interests, follow their curiosity, and grow in ways that feel meaningful to them. We also believe that real social-emotional learning happens best through play, connection, and experiences that are naturally engaging and joyful.

Rooted in care—for ourselves, each other, and our environment—Dandelion After School is a space where kids build relationships, develop independence, and make choices about how they spend their time. Each afternoon, we offer a mix of creative activities, group games, hands-on projects, and neighborhood adventures, plus a nourishing snack to keep everyone energized.

 

What Does a Day Look Like?

 

Every day is different! Kids might:


🌿 Cook or bake something delicious
🎨 Get creative with arts and crafts
🎭 Dive into dramatic play
🎶 Move and dance to music
🏃‍♂️ Play indoor or outdoor games
🌳 Explore parks and local businesses on neighborhood walks
💡 Dream up their own activities—and make them happen!

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Action

Dandelion After School isn’t just fun—it’s also a place where kids build essential life skills. Our facilitators intentionally connect activities to the CASEL framework for Social Emotional Learning (SEL), helping kids develop:

  • Self-awareness: Understanding their emotions and strengths

  • Self-management: Navigating big feelings and making thoughtful choices

  • Social awareness: Practicing empathy and considering others’ perspectives

  • Relationship skills: Communicating, collaborating, and resolving conflicts

  • Responsible decision-making: Thinking critically and making choices with care

 

By blending play, autonomy, and meaningful relationships, we help kids deepen their connection to themselves, their peers, and the world around them.

Kids from local elementary schools and homeschool communities are welcome!

 

 

2025-2026 

Program RATES

1-5 day options: Monday-Friday

Dandelion After School is invoiced monthly. The daily rates below are per month and include any half day pick ups that fall on that day

 Mondays: $140/month

Tuesdays:  $140/month 

Wednesdays: $160/month

Thursdays: $160/month

Fridays: $170/month

 

*5% monthly sibling discount

*10% monthly discount for BIPOC youth

South philly school pickups

Dandelion After School offers free pick ups from: 

  • Coppin Elementary: Monday - Friday

  • Southwark Elementary: Tuesday/Thursday

  • Kirkbride Elementary: Monday- Friday

  • Vare-Washington Elementary: Monday - Friday

  • If you are from a different South Philly school and are interested, reach out!

DISTRICT Early Dismissals + Closures

When the School District of Philadelphia has an early dismissal, our staff picks up young people from school at their dismissal time. When the School District of Philadelphia has off from school, or an uplanned weather or emergency closure, we will NOT host Dandelion After School. 

2025-26 Dates  

  • First Day of Dandelion After School is Tuesday, September 2, 2025

  • Last Day of Dandelion After School is Friday, June 12, 2026.

  • District Half Day EARLY PICK UPS:

    • 9/12: HALF DAY (PD)

    • 11/24: HALF DAY (Report Cards)

    • 11/25: HALF DAY (Report Cards)

    • 11/26: HALF DAY

    • 12/12: HALF DAY (PD)  

    • 1/16: HAF DAY (PD)

    • 1/16: HALF DAY (PD)

    • 1/29 HALF DAY (report cards)

    • 1/30: HALF DAY (report cards)

    • 2/13: HALF DAY (PD)

    • 3/13:HALF DAY (PD) 

    • 4/9:HALF DAY (report cards)

    • 4/10: HALF DAY (report cards)

    • 4/17:HALF DAY (PD)

    • 5/8th: HALF DAY (PD)

    • 6/11: HALF DAY (PD)

    • 6/12: HALF DAY (Last Day of School

  • District CLOSED (No Dandelion After School) 

    • 9/23: (CLOSED) Roshanah

    • 10/2: (CLOSED (Yom Kippur)

    • 10/10:CLOSED (PD)

    • 10/13 CLOSED  (Indigenous People’s Day)

    • 11/4: CLOSED:(Election Day) 

    • 11/11: CLOSED ( Veteran’s Day)

    • 11/27: CLOSED (Thanksgiving recess)

    • 11/28: CLOSED (Thanksgiving recess)

    • 12/24-1/2: CLOSED (Winter Recess)

    • 1/19: CLOSED (MLK DAY) 

    • 2/16: CLOSED (President’s day)

    • 2/17: CLOSED

    • 3/20: CLOSED (Eid)

    • 3/30-4/3: CLOSED (Spring break)

    • 5/19:CLOSED ( Election Day)

    • 5/25: CLOSED (Memorial day)

    • 5/27: CLOSED (Eid)

Registration

To register for the 25-26 academic year, complete the Enrollment Form.

We'll send you the first month's invoice, and enrollment will be confirmed once payment is received. Please reach out with any questions. 

 

 

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Billing + CANCELLATION policy

We bill for Dandelion After School on a monthly basis based the enrollment days. Enrollment includes all half day pick ups that fall on enrollment days.  We do not prorate or discount monthly tuition for vacation or sick leave because consistent income allows us to fund our program and adequately pay our staff. Families can cancel their Dandelion After School enrollment for any reason, and we kindly request 30 days notice when ending your Dandelion After School agreement. Please reach out with any extenuating circumstances. 

COVID-19 Policy 

We believe that Covid-19 pandemic is still occuring, and we will monitor community spread and respond with updated policy as needed to keep our community as safe as possible. As of June 5, 2023, all programs from The Dandelion Project are mask optional. If young people have mild symptoms (runny nose, cough, etc.) that do not prevent them from participating in the program, we'll ask them to mask until symptoms resolve. We may need to change our policy throughout the year as new information becomes available.

 

Dandelion After School is a single purpose, Social Emotional Learning program, that provides social emotional support to children through a curated set of activities and experiences. All Dandelion After School staff are trained in SEL.  
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