Calgary maps after-school programs online

The city has created an online map of after-school programs across Calgary as part of a plan to offer more options to working parents with school-aged children.

The website was announced Thursday at the launch of Calgary After School, a $3.3-million program for children between the ages ofsix and 16 whose parentsare working from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

More than 1,000 programs are included in the map, which is available on the City of Calgary's website.

The city is also using the money to offer 75 after-school care programs at recreation and community centres. It's also putting $1.3 million into expanding new spaces at existing programs offered by local agencies, and plans to play a "leadership role" in co-ordinating after-school care in Calgary.

The money set aside for Calgary After School had previously gone to another out-of-school care program, which is now solely funded by the provincial government.

"Providing Calgary kids with positive, structured activities during the critical hours can ultimately help build stronger and safer communities," Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier said in a statement.

"The research clearly shows that kids who participate in these types of programs tend to have higher self-esteem, interact better with others, do better in school and are more likely to avoid serious trouble."