About Out-of-School Time (OST)

Out-of-School Time (OST) is care and programming for school-age children in kindergarten through 12th grade that occurs during non-school hours, including after-school programming from school dismissal until 6 p.m. and 6 weeks of full-day summer camp.  A select number of sites also have extended programming which includes before-care from 7:30 a.m. until the beginning of the school day, as well as full-day winter and spring camp during winter and spring breaks.

Our Mission

The City of Philadelphia is committed to supporting and sustaining an OST system built on the following tenets:

  • Building on practices that increase quality and connect to national best practices in OST.
  • Diversifying high quality opportunities available to youth across the City.
  • A well prepared and appropriately compensated workforce.
  • Equitable access to programming that ensures children, youth, and families thrive.
  • Working in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) by aligning with their goals for every student to read on or above grade level and every student to graduate ready for college and career.

We work in partnership with SDP to ensure every student has a well-rounded education including arts, athletics, and other co-curricular opportunities integrated into their school experience.

Organizational Roles 

OST programming is part of the City of Philadelphia’s continuum of prevention programs and activities designed to contribute to the overall well-being and safety of youth. This is accomplished by providing access to services that promote healthy physical, social, educational and emotional development. 

Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) serves as the Administrative Intermediary for the City of Philadelphia’s Children and Family Support Services. PHMC OST manages a network of approximately 50 organizations operating more than 130 OST programs throughout the City. These OST program sites serve approximately 7,500 youth in grades K-12 within a variety of settings – within School District of Philadelphia Schools, Charter and Parochial Schools, and community-based settings. As a partner with the City, programming funded through this project is designed for all youth, particularly those who need to be diverted from or have current or previous involvement in the child welfare system.

Public Health Management Corporation

Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a health and human services agency that has been building healthier communities for more than 50 years. As the nonprofit public health institute for Pennsylvania and Delaware with a powerful network of more than 200 programs, strategic partnerships and 3,000 dedicated employees, PHMC delivers high-quality, evidence-based services that address the full spectrum of the social drivers of health.

PHMC, in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia, supports the OST provider solicitation process, manages data collection and reporting related to provider service delivery, and oversees provider contract development, execution, invoicing, and payment.

PHMC has partnered with the City of Philadelphia since 2008 to support the OST network. RFPs are issued by PHMC and contracts resulting from RFPs will be between the awarded providers and PHMC.

OST Program Locations

PHMC manages a network of 50 organizations operating more than 130 OST programs designed for all youth. Explore the City’s Program Locator to learn more about current OST locations.

OST Program Locator

City of Philadelphia’s Children and Family Support Services and Department of Human Services 

The City of Philadelphia’s Children and Family support services works across Philadelphia City departments to ensure that policies, resources and services for children and families are aligned and coordinated in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia. Children and Family Support Services was established to improve outcomes for Philadelphia children and families, build stronger communities, and support great schools in every neighborhood. The department oversees City programs and services including the Department of Human Services (child welfare and juvenile justice), Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Free Library of Philadelphia, PHLpreK, the City’s free, Community Schools, Adult Education, Philly Reading Coaches, Food Access, and Prevention Support Services (which includes Out-of-School Time).

Children and Family Support Services  aligns policy, resources, programs, and services for the City of Philadelphia, prioritizing: 

Safe Children
Strong Families
Supported Schools and Communities

These services are supported through The City of Philadelphia and Department of Human Services. Specifically, PHMC serves as the fiscal and contracting intermediary for this project.

The City’s role is to oversee the OST System in collaboration with PHMC who facilitates and monitors continuous quality improvement practices for all funded providers.