Quick Answer

2forU Childcare and Preschool in Ankeny, IA offers before and after school care for children ages 5 to 12, plus full-day care on school breaks and all summer long. Children get homework help, outdoor play, and time with friends, and we’re open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1670 SW Ankeny Rd.

When the School Day and the Workday Don’t Line Up

For many Ankeny families, the school bell rings hours before the workday ends. Mornings can be just as tricky, with school starting after many parents need to be at work. Then come the days off: teacher workdays, winter break, spring break, and a long summer.

Before and after school care fills those gaps, so children have a safe, familiar place to be and families can plan their week with confidence.

What Before and After School Care Looks Like at 2forU

Our school age program gives children ages 5 to 12 a safe and fun place to spend the hours outside the traditional school day. It mixes academic support with play and rest, so children can recharge after a long day in the classroom.

An afternoon might look like this:

• Snack and settle in: a chance to relax and talk with friends after school
• Homework time: teachers help with anything from math to social studies
• Outdoor play: running, games, and fresh air
• Free choice: building, art, reading, or a group game

Children also learn cooperation and build confidence as they work through tricky problems with a caring adult. The CDC recommends that children ages 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, and active play after school helps them get there.

Care on School Breaks and School-Out Days

School breaks don’t have to mean scrambling for a sitter. When school is out, school-age children can spend the full day with us. Those days might include art projects, science activities, outdoor games, and plenty of time with friends.

Because we’re open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., families can keep their usual work schedule, even on days when school is closed.

Summer for School-Agers in Ankeny

Our Ankeny summer camp is designed for school-age children. Our Summer of Imagination curriculum brings a new theme each week, with creative arts, hands-on STEM activities, dramatic play, and storytelling. Sample themes include Young Entrepreneurs, Bugs and Butterflies, and Outdoor Explorers.

School-age campers also enjoy in-house and off-site field trips, and each camper receives a kit with a camp t-shirt, backpack, and ID wristband. Camp begins in early June. Current families get first priority, and then remaining spots open to the public, so it helps to plan early.

Familiar Faces Year After Year

Many of our teachers have been with us for a very long time. For school-age children, that means the adults who greet them after school might be the same teachers who cared for them as toddlers or preschoolers. Families tell us our team is polite, warm, and welcoming, and those long relationships are a big part of why our school feels like a small family.

Families also stay connected through our daily digital updates, so you’ll know how your child’s afternoon went before you arrive for pickup. Learn more about our Ankeny Campus.

What to Look For in a Before and After School Program

When you compare programs in Ankeny, these questions can help:

• Is there time for homework and time for play? Children need both after a full school day.
• Who are the teachers? Consistent, caring adults help children feel secure.
• What happens on school-out days and in summer? Year-round care means fewer changes for your child.
• How will I hear about my child’s day? Regular updates help you stay connected.
• Do the hours fit my schedule? Look at both drop-off and pickup times.

Questions to Ask on Your Tour

• Which Ankeny schools do your school-age children attend, and how do they get to and from school?
• What does a typical afternoon look like?
• Which school breaks and school-out days are you open?
• How do summer camp registration and field trips work?
• How will my child’s teacher share updates with me?

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages can attend before and after school care at 2forU in Ankeny?

Our school age program is for children ages 5 to 12.

What do children do after school?

Children have a snack, get help with homework, play outside, and choose activities like art, building, and games with friends.

Are you open on school breaks?

Yes. We offer full-day care on school breaks and school-out days for school-age children.

Do you have summer camp for school-age children in Ankeny?

Yes. Our Ankeny summer camp is for school-age children, with weekly themes, STEM and art activities, and on-site and off-site field trips.

What are your hours?

The Ankeny Campus is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1670 SW Ankeny Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023.

The best way to see our school-age program is in person, and we’d love to meet your family.

Schedule a tour of 2forU Childcare and Preschool in Ankeny, IA or call us at (515) 777-3602.