Help a Mom: Afterschool programs for year-round middle school students

I'm resurrecting an old feature Go Ask Mom had because I got a great question from a Raleigh mom, who is trying to line up afterschool care for her rising sixth grader, who will be at a year-round school on Track 3.

Here's what the mom writes: "Have any readers asked about creative afterschool care ideas for sixth graders? Middle schools don't provide on-site afterschool care, and my upcoming 6th grader isn't ready to stay home alone" - or walk home from the bus stop, she adds. A nanny is too expensive. She's contacted a local daycare, but it requires parents pay all year - even if their child will be tracked out and won't be there.

I suggested that she contact her child's school. The YMCA of the Triangle also has afterschool programs. Parents: What solutions have worked for you? The mom will be sending her child to Pine Hollow Middle School in north Raleigh.