Sweet Heart After School Care Centre for Pre-primary Children Program

Project Introduction

“Sweet Heart – After School Care Centre for Pre-primary Children ” was known as “ Lai On Estate Parents’ Mutual Help Child Care Centre” before. Many less resource families encounter lots of difficulties in taking care of their young children because of limited support network and having long or unstable working hours.

In 2006, as a response to the needs of the community, the People Service Centre started to connect the parents in Lai On Estate so as to establish a mutual aid child care service. In August 2021, this service was expanded with the additional resources from the government. The manpower establishment was enhanced to allow the centre to become one of the first four centres of after-school care that developed from a mutual aid child care center.

The operation expenses are subvented by Social Welfare Department.

Aim of the Project

To provide child care and support services for pre-primary children whose parents or carers are either working long, unstable and/or unconventional working hours, having financial and/or social hardship in securing care by their own means before/after school hours.

Service District

Sham Shui Po District

Service Target

Children aged three to below six; or
Children attending Kindergarten 1-3 education.

Opening Hours

Every Monday to Friday (closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays)

Morning session: 09:00-13:00
Afternoon session: 12:00-17:00
Evening session: 16:00-20:00

Services

Child Care Services
- Learning Activities
- Refreshments and Meals
- Escort Services
Parent Education
Parents-kids Activities

Service Application

Visit the Center to obtain and submit the application form during the opening hours. The staff will arrange an interview after receiving the application form.
Applicants must submit relevant supporting documents and custodial fees within the time specified by the center after receiving the approval results.

Fee Charging

Table 1: Bi-weekly Service Fee for Regular Service User
Duration (During Morning, Afternoon or Evening Session)	Service Fee (Bi-weekly)
Duration (During Morning, Afternoon or Evening Session)	Full-fee waiving	Half-fee waiving	25%-fee waiving	Full Fee
2 hours	$0	$125	$187.5	$250
3 hours	$0	$187.5	$281	$375
4 hours	$0	$250	$375	$500

Table 2: Sessional Service Fee for Ad Hoc Service Users and/or Services during Saturday, Sunday and public holidays
Duration (During Morning, Afternoon or Evening Session)	Service Fee (By Session)
Duration (During Morning, Afternoon or Evening Session)	Full-fee waiving	Half-fee waiving	25%-fee waiving	Full Fee
2 hours	$0	$15	$22.5	$30
3 hours	$0	$22.5	$34	$45
4 hours	$0	$30	$45	$60

Financial Assistance

The fee charging level is determined by Social Welfare Department (SWD). Needy families with financial hardship may approach People Service Centre direct for fee reduction/waiving.