Apply to DHSP Afterschool Programs for the 2026-2027 School Year! Application Deadline is May 11

Do you need afterschool care for your children? The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) offers four models of afterschool programs (Childcare Afterschool, Community Schools, King Open Extended Day, and Cambridge Youth Programs) designed to develop children’s social and emotional growth and build healthy relationships.

Cambridge families apply to all DHSP afterschool programs through a single application process. Open seats in DHSP afterschool programs are filled through a lottery process.

Apply to the DHSP Afterschool Lottery! 

The last day to apply is Monday, May 11. Families will be notified of their child's placement in an afterschool program or in the Waiting Pool by the end of June.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be Cambridge residents 
• Children must be entering Kindergarten through 8th grade in September 2026.

Re-Enrollment

• Children currently enrolled in a DHSP afterschool program can re-enroll in the same program for next year by submitting an application during the application window.
• Families must submit their re-enrollment application by May 11 to guarantee their child's seat in the same program for the upcoming year.

Tuition 

• Tuition rates are determined on a sliding scale based on household size and income. View tuition charts

Application Help

• Families can get in-person application help on Monday, April 13, Monday, April 27, Monday, May 4, and Monday, May 11 at DHSP, 51 Inman St., 3rd Fl. from 4 - 7:30 p.m. No appointment is needed.      
  •  Families can also contact DHSP at 617-349-6200 or askdhsp@cambridgema.gov to make an appointment for application assistance. 

For more information, including FAQs and multilingual materials, visit www.cambridgema.gov/AfterschoolLottery.