Our Program

The Magic After-school Place was begun in 2006 to meet the after-school care needs of working parents in the culturally and economically diverse Irving Park community.  The program serves children enrolled in Kindergarten through 8th grade at Belding School.  MAP operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and follows the Chicago Public Schools calendar.  Children enrolled in the program are walked to the Irving Park Lutheran Church educational building at 4057 N. Harding Ave. by MAP staff.  After enjoying a healthy snack, the children begin work on homework, a strong focus of the program.

Tomato seedling grown with pride for Three Brothers Garden

Art lesson with Ms. Darcie

Our Daily Schedule

School dismissal time. Pick up from Belding and walk to MAP
3:15 – 3:45 pm Snack
3:45 – 4:45 pm Homework or educational activities
4:45 – 5:30 pm Art/crafts/team building/sports & physical activities/clubs
5:30 – 6:00 pm Free time

Program Highlights

• Service projects
• Annual Talent Show
• Special events: Halloween, Holiday and End of Year Parties, Olympic Games, Monthly Ice Cream Party
• Clubs/Enrichment activities (science, art, crafts, jewelry making, baking)
• Park on Fridays and outside play during free time
• High School mentors
• Location features a full-size gym, classrooms & kitchen