latchkey program

English

Etymology

By analogy with latchkey kid.

Noun

latchkey program (plural latchkey programs)

1. (education) A childcare service that provides a supervised environment for elementary school-aged children before and after school, while their parents are working; often offer activities like homework assistance, reading, games, and crafts.

   Synonym: Latchkey

   • 2022 August 30, Grant Pepper, “Could Fredericktown’s latchkey program serve as a model for other Knox County school districts?”, in Knox Pages‎:

     Fredericktown Local Schools is the only public school district in Knox County with a latchkey program. Local officials believe latchkey programs could help mitigate Knox County’s child care shortage.

   • 2025, “Latchkey”, in Parker Elementary‎:

     If you are looking for safe, fun, and dependable care for your child before and/or after school then the Latchkey Program is the place for your child care needs!