Parks and Recreation After-School, S.O.A.R., and Preschool Program
Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation offers recreationally based programs for children in grades K-5 for City of Harrisonburg Residents only. Through a balance of free play and organized activities we strive to provide the best possible care for your child. It is our mission to always put the safety and security of your child above all else.
The After-School Activities (A.S.A.) and Summer Organized Activities and Recreation (S.O.A.R.) programs are NOT licensed childcare programs through the Virginia Department of Education.
[2.03MB] Fall 2024 Activity Guide
Kids' Night Out
Held at the Community Activities Center, Kids’ Night Out is available for youth in Kindergarten – 5th grade. Kids’ Night Out will include dinner, a craft, and an activity!
Upcoming Dates:
- September 20
- October 11
- November 1
- December 20
Sample Schedule:
5:45pm - 6:00pm: Drop Off
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Pizza
6:30pm - 7:30pm: Arts and Crafts
7:30pm - 8:00pm: Activity
8:00pm: Pick Up
After-School Activities Program (A.S.A.) - Enrollment for A.S.A. is full for the 2024-2025 school year. We are taking names for the waitlist
Our A.S.A. Program is offered throughout the school year as after school activities, including any Early Release Days for City schools. The program runs from the time of dismissal (child must attend Harrisonburg City Public School and arrive to the Community Activities Center on school bus) until 5:30pm. The program follows the Harrisonburg City Schools calendar and does not operate when schools are closed for holidays, teacher workdays, or inclement weather closures. Children must be enrolled in kindergarten to attend the A.S.A. program.
Cost: (all fees are subject to change prior to any registration period) A fee of $50 per child, per month is charged for the A.S.A. program. The monthly fee is due the month prior by the first of the month (ex: September fees are due August 1 with monthly fees ending after the March 1 payment).
Registration: Parents/Guardians must complete the A.S.A. Registration form and pay the $50 registration fee (August monthly fees- nonrefundable) to be enrolled. Spaces are limited and once filled participants will be added to a waiting list. Registration forms must be completed and submitted to be placed on the waiting list, however the registration fee is only charged if child is able to be enrolled from the waiting list.
Registration dates for the 2024-2025 school year:
Accounts with current 2023 - 2024 ASA participants: Please check your email for updates
Accounts with current 2024 SOAR participants: June 24th at 7:30am
New Participant Registration: July 1st at 7:30am
[485KB] 2024-2025 After-School Program Handbook
[93KB] 2024-2025 After-School Program Registration Form
Summer Organized Activities & Recreation Program (S.O.A.R.)
***Registration for SOAR 2024 is now full. You may still be added to the waitlist.
During the summer months S.O.A.R. participants will have the opportunity for free play, organized activities, and arts and crafts. The S.O.A.R. program runs from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Children must have completed kindergarten to be eligible to attend the S.O.A.R. program. For the 2024 S.O.A.R. Program registration will be open for children who have completed Kindergarten through age 11. There will be field trips and participants will be visiting the Westover Pool 2-3 times a week. Parents/Guardians will be made aware of fieldtrips and pool days in advance.
Cost: (all fees are subject to change prior to any registration period) A fee of $50 per child, per week is charged for the S.O.A.R. program. The weekly fee is due by 5pm the Wednesday prior to the week of service. If the fee is not paid by the due date, the participant WILL NOT be able to attend until payment is received. Payments will not be prorated due to illness, weather, vacation, disciplinary actions, or non-use.
Registration: Parents/Guardians must complete the S.O.A.R. Program Registration form. The first week of attendance payment ($50) is due at the time of registration to secure the child's spot in the program. Spaces are limited and once filled, participants will be added to a waiting list. Registration forms must be completed and submitted to be placed on the waiting list, however fees will only be charged if a child is able to be enrolled from the waiting list.
Registration is in person at the Community Activities Center Youth Service desk
Summer 2023 participants and siblings - March 11 at 7am
After School 2023-2024 participants and siblings - March 18 at 7am
New Participant Registration - March 25 at 9am
[783KB] 2024 S.O.A.R. Parents Manual
[210KB] 2024 S.O.A.R. Registration Form - Please have this form printed and filled in for each child before turning up for registration.
Preschool
The City of Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation Preschool program’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment designed to promote learning opportunities for our children. Through creative and meaningful play activities, the program promotes the healthy social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child. A positive self-concept will be developed, with creativity and self-expression being encouraged. Emphasis is placed on self-discipline by providing limitations and rules.
This program is staffed by part-time teachers and has met all minimum standards for licensure by the Virginia Department of Social Services (currently converting which can be reviewed by any parent upon request.
The program is offered to City resident's children who are or will be three years of age by September 30 and are fully potty trained in the 3-year-old classroom, and to children who are or will be four years of age by September 30 of the current year in the 4-year-old classroom.
Classes begin first week of September and continue until mid-May.
The cost for the 4-year-old class is $50 a month ($450 for entire year) with students attending Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30am-12pm.
The cost for the 3-year-old class is $35 a month ($315 for entire year) with students attending Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am-12pm.
Previous Participant Registration: February 12, 2024
New Participant Registration: February 26, 2024
[209KB] 2024-2025 Preschool Parent Handbook
[303KB] 2024-2025 Registration Form
Additional Registration Requirements:
- Birth Certification
- Registration Fee (non-refundable fee equal to monthly cost)
- [489KB] 2023-2024 Preschool Physical Form (physical: prior to attendance or no later than one month of attendance, immunizations due prior to attendance)
If you have any questions regarding any of the Youth Services programs, please email Amber Craig at Amber.Craig@harrisonburgva.gov or call 540-433-2474.
Additional Links:
Harrisonburg City Public Schools: www.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/Home