School-Age Program (SAP)

DoD School-Age programs (SAP) are offered for children, kindergarten through 6th grade before and/or after school, during holidays, and summer vacations. Emphasis is placed on SAP programs which meet community needs, reinforce family values, and promote the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children. SAP may be provided in DoD Youth Centers, Child Development Centers or other suitable facilities. To expand school-age program spaces, DoD policy encourages use of youth centers; on-and off-base schools, and other suitable facilities such as community centers. Accreditation of DoD SAP programs is a requirement. Accreditation sets the professional standards for after school programs and helps families identify high-quality programs.