As working parents in West Hartford, we are calling on the West Hartford Public School District and the Board of Education to address the urgent lack of access to after-school care for our children.

Many families enrolling their children in kindergarten this year have been placed on a two-year waiting list for the district’s after-school program—leaving us with no safe, affordable place for our children to go after school. This is an unacceptable situation for a community that prides itself on strong schools and family support.

We chose to live in West Hartford for its excellent public education and community resources. But now, we’re forced to consider drastic alternatives—reducing work hours, quitting jobs, or seeking expensive, less secure private care—simply because basic support services aren’t available.

We, the undersigned, respectfully ask that West Hartford Public Schools and the Board of Education:

Immediately explore expansion of the district’s after-school program capacity.
Partner with local organizations (such as the YMCA, JCC, or Boys & Girls Club) to create temporary solutions.
Create transparent waitlist criteria and prioritize access for working families.
Provide updates and a timeline for a long-term solution.

Every family deserves safe, affordable after-school care. Let’s work together to make sure no child is left without support, and no parent is forced to choose between their job and their child’s safety.