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CADET CARE: 
LEARNING BEYOND THE BELL

Rooted in Social & Emotional Learning. Designed to Inspire. Backed by Professional Facilitation.

At The Recreation Academy, we believe learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Cadet Care is our unique before and after school program for grades K–6, designed to extend the school day with purpose — blending active fun, personal growth, and social-emotional learning in a safe and familiar setting.

Led by passionate instructors trained in proven facilitation techniques, every session becomes an opportunity for kids to explore, connect, and grow — emotionally, socially, and physically. We go beyond homework help and games to create experiences that are engaging, intentional, and developmentally rich.

WHY FAMILIES & SCHOOLS CHOOSE CADET CARE

SEL at the Center – Every activity is designed to build empathy, confidence, and collaboration. 

Facilitators, Not Just Babysitters – Our team uses frontloading, teachable moments, debriefing and behavior modification techniques like the “What? So what? Now what?” method to maximize impact. We're here to teach kids valuable life skills like how to communicate better, problem solve, and more, all while we play and have fun

Exceptional Staff – Every instructor is CPR & First Aid certified, background-checked, and has at least 1 year of experience working with kids.

On-Site Convenience – Held right at your school — no extra transportation required.

Flexible Scheduling – Morning care, after care, or both — enroll in what fits your family best.

Trusted Partnerships – Schools benefit from revenue share models, seamless integration, and full administrative support from our leadership team.

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 WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE PARTNERING WITH US 

1

BEING SELECTED

You complete the New Partner Interest Form and we set up an exploration meeting to see if we're a good fit for each other.​

2

GETTING STARTED

If we decide it's a good fit, then our team go to work setting up school registration portals and applying for needed licensing at each site.

3

EXPERT FACILITATION

Experienced, background-checked, and well-trained staff facilitate while maintaining a 1:15, or better, staff-to-participant ratio. Sites are supported by local Area Managers and Site Specific Coordinators. 

CADET CARE vs OTHER EXTENDED DAY PROVIDERS

Why families — and schools — choose The Rec Academy.

THE REC ACADEMY DIFFERENCE:
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN MOTION.

At Cadet Care, we don’t just supervise—we facilitate. Every moment with our cadets is an opportunity to build life skills through action. Whether it’s a game of capture the flag, a group challenge, or a quick team huddle, our staff are trained to turn play into progress. We use movement, choice, and collaboration to teach communication, empathy, problem-solving, and self-regulation. Our flexible programming adapts to the energy and needs of the group, ensuring every child feels seen, engaged, and inspired to grow. Through structured games, intentional transitions, and reflective moments, Cadet Care becomes more than just a safe place to spend time—it becomes a launchpad for confidence, connection, and character.

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FUN WITH
A PURPOSE!
ENRICHMENT-BASED
LEARNING
REAL
ENGAGEMENT
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CONSISTENT
DEVELOPMENT
SOFT SKILL
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HOMEWORK
WITH
HELP
MONTHLY SPECIAL ENRICHMENT
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Learn more about special big-ticket activities below!
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MOVEMENT-BASED GAMES 
& STEM CHALLENGES

Why schools everywhere are partnering with us:

Cadet Care Registration Options Include:
Week-long coverage!
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Before Care 

Perfect for schools that start after 8am. This program is a great way to start the day! 

Ages 5 - 14

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Ages 5 - 14

Both Before & After Care

Join us before & After to get the best of both worlds and a discount. 

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After Care 

We'll keep your participant engaged and learning from the end of school until 6pm!

Ages 5 - 14

FAQs Section
LEARN MORE NOW - FAMILY RESOURCE HUB
Typical Daily Agenda
Monday - Friday
Activities Schedule 
6:30 - 6:45 AM
6:45 - 7:00 AM
7:00 - 7:30 AM
BEFORE CARE
7:30 - 8:00 AM
8:00 - 8:30 AM
Arrival & Attendance 
Coloring / Games / Brain Starters
Activity or Game #1
Activity or Game #2
Free Play
3:00 - 3:15 PM
3:15 - 4:00 PM
4:00 - 4:30 PM
AFTER CARE
4:30 - 5:00 PM
5:00 - 5:30 PM
5:30 - 6:00 PM
Arrival & Attendance 
Snack, Homework Help, & Free Play 
Activity or Game #1
Activity or Game #2
Activity or Game #3
Free Play  
Weekly Special Activities 
Each Cadet Care location will offer 1-2 activities per week that are pulled directly from our enrichment program curriculums. (Check out these examples.)
Domino Mega Building Challenges
"Minute to win it" style games
Team Relay Races
Gaga Ball Skill Building & Tournaments
Coloring & Drawing Contests 
Fitness Challenges 
Monthly Special Activities
Each month we plan a big-ticket activity to reward participants that have been participating and doing their best. (Check out these examples.)
Gaga Ball In Our Giant Inflatable Pit
9-Square In The Air 
Foam Tipped Archery 
REGISTER YOUR CHILD NOW!

 Follow the enrollment directions below to sign your student up for Cadet Care. 

We have two windows during which parents can register their children for before, after, or combined childcare services. These enrollment deadlines are set well in advance in collaboration with school administrators but typically happen at the beginning of the school year and right before winter break. Once an enrollment period ends, we review all applications to determine participant eligibility and ensure we have the necessary staff to maintain a 1:15 ratio. Priority placement is given to participants registered for longer durations, especially if we have limited space or staff availability. Parents can sign up for 4-, 5-, or 9-month terms.

BOTH TERMS = [Aug, Sept, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, & May.]

TERM 1 = [Aug, Sep, Nov, & Dec.]

TERM 2 = [Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, & May.]

*Please note: Services offered on this page are exclusively available to students who are officially registered and attending the school for the program you're signing up for.

Click here to review our terms of service now.

 

By registering your child to participate you are agreeing to all applicable terms and conditions found on our website. 

Both Terms, Mornings Only, 5 days a week

$200

200

Every month

+$25 Application Fee

This plan covers before care for 5 days per week, from Aug to May, and includes 9 monthly payments.

Valid for 9 months

Both Terms, Afternoon Only, 5 days a wk.

$250

250

Every month

+$25 Application Fee

This plan covers after care for 5 days per week, from Aug to May, and includes 9 monthly payments.

Valid for 9 months

Both Terms, Before & After, 5 days a wk.

$375

375

Every month

+$25 Application Fee

This plan covers before & after care 5 days per week, from Aug to May, and includes 9 monthly payments.

Valid for 9 months

REGISTER FOR BOTH TERMS

August - May

Click here to review our terms of service now.

 

By registering your child to participate you are agreeing to all applicable terms and conditions found on our website. 

1st Term, Mornings Only, 5 days a week

$200

200

Every month

+$25 Application Fee

This plan covers before care for 5 days per week, from Aug to Dec, and includes 4 monthly payments.

Valid for 4 months

1st Term, Afternoon Only, 5 days a week

$250

250

Every month

+$25 Application Fee

This plan covers after care for 5 days per week, from Aug to Dec, and includes 4 monthly payments.

Valid for 4 months

1st Term, Before & After, 5 days a week

$375

375

Every month

+$25 Application Fee

This plan covers before & after care 5 days per week, from Aug to Dec, and includes 4 monthly payments.

Valid for 4 months

REGISTER FOR FIRST TERM ONLY

Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, & Dec. 

Click here to review our terms of service now.

 

By registering your child to participate you are agreeing to all applicable terms and conditions found on our website. 

2nd Term, Mornings Only, 5 days a week

$200

200

Every month

+$25 Application Fee

This plan covers before care for 5 days per week, from Jan to May, and includes 4 monthly payments.

Valid for 4 months

2nd Term, Afternoon Only, 5 days a week

$250

250

Every month

+$25 Application Fee

This plan covers after care for 5 days per week, from Jan to May, and includes 4 monthly payments.

Valid for 4 months

2nd Term, Before & After, 5 days a week

$375

375

Every month

+$25 Application Fee

This plan covers before & after care 5 days per week, from Jan to May, and includes 4 monthly payments.

Valid for 4 months

REGISTER FOR SECOND TERM ONLY

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, & May.

SECOND TERM
Both
FIRST TERM
Enrollment Process
Register Now Button
Ready to become a partner?

Learn more about setting up programs at your facility. View a copy of our current program guide, including full descriptions, pricing info, and logistics details, for all our different offerings. Click the button to be redirected now. 

WHAT WE DO

CURRENT PROGRAM TYPES

Here are some of the current services we're offering: ​

  • Cadet Care - Extended Day Programs

  • After School Enrichment Clubs

  • School Break Day Camps

  • Mobile Field Trip Activity Packages

  • Hosted Special Events

 

Reach out to see how we can help your facility today!

LOOKING FORWARD

We're focused on expanding our programs to include:

  • Field Trip Camps 

  • Overnight Retreats & Trips

  • Outdoor Education Programs

  • Leadership Development Programs

  • Counselor / Leader In Training Camps

  • Teen Focused Programs 

  • Pre-K & K Focused Programs

IMPORTANT INFO

We're always on the lookout for awesome people! We offer a competitive pay rate based on location, experience, credentials, and performance. 

Our Commitment to Safety

Our Commitment To Safety

 

Keeping our participants safe is paramount. Click the image to learn more about our commitment to keeping everyone safe.

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CONTACT US

ADMIN. TEAM - BUSINESS INQUIRIES

Sales, Marketing Assistance, Partner Relations, & Accounts Receivable 

Contact: Robert Thornton

Title: Founder / CEO

Tel: 217-891-6557

Email: robert@therecreationacademy.com

 

General Inquiries, Managment Staff Supervision, Policy Enforcement, & Parent Issues Resolutions.

 

Contact: David Saunders 

Title: Operations Supervisor

Tel: 314-252-8344

Email: david@therecreationacademy.com

AREA MANAGERS - STAFF SUPERVISORS

St. Louis, MO 

Email: stlRecAcademy@gmail.com

 

Chicago, IL 

Email: ChicagoRecAcademy@gmail.com

Kansas City - MO & KS

Email: kcRecAcademy@gmail.com

 

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