Editorial Policy

Sources first

Guides cite primary sources wherever they exist: state statutes and administrative code, licensing agencies, departments of education, and national research such as the Afterschool Alliance's America After 3PM survey. Every factual claim links to its source.

Listings

Listings are generated from public records and refreshed regularly. Each listing shows its source and the date we last checked it. We don't edit facts in a listing by hand unless the program owner sends a verified correction.

Independence

No program can pay to appear, to be removed or to change its ranking. Any sponsored placement is labelled "Sponsored".

Reviews

We never write, buy or generate reviews. See how we rank and handle reviews.

Updates and corrections

Guides are reviewed at least every three months and whenever a law or program they describe changes. Spotted an error? Email hello@localafterschool.com or use the correction link on any listing. We fix confirmed errors and note significant corrections on the page.

Use of AI

We use software, including AI tools, to process public data and draft copy. A person on our team checks guides against their sources before publishing. Listings are never padded with invented details.