LEONARDTOWN, Md. – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 20–24, 2026, in partnership with the National Afterschool Association (NAA), to recognize and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school time.
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week highlights the dedicated professionals who play a critical role in supporting young people’s academic, social, and emotional development through before- and after-school programming.
According to the NAA, more than 10 million children nationwide participate in before or after- school programs each year. In St. Mary’s County, more than 185 children participate in the R&P School Age Care (SAC) program serving grades K-8 at six locations across the county. The SAC program is supported by a dedicated team consisting of 15 professionals who meet state licensing requirements and bring decades of combined experience working with children. These skilled individuals provide safe, supportive environments and enriching experiences for children during out-of-school hours.
Registration for the 2026-27 School Age Care program will open to the public on Monday, May 18, 2026, and will be available through the R&P online catalog.
Visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/Recreate and select “Online Registration” to view the catalog. In-person registration will also be available at the Recreation & Parks main office in Leonardtown. For questions or assistance, please call (301) 475-4200 ext.1800 or email RPinfo@stmaryscountymd.gov.
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