Children & Teens
A welcoming place for children and young adults to build skills, make friends, and enjoy meaningful activities after school.
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About the Afterschool Program
AbilityFirst’s Afterschool Program is a primarily site-based program for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through a variety of engaging activities, participants develop life skills, strengthen social connections, and grow in confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
Our team provides ongoing supervision and personal care while tailoring activities to each participant’s interests, needs, and goals. The program is licensed and grounded in individual choice, self-direction, and belonging.
As a Regional Center vendor, our services are funded through Regional Center Purchase of Service (POS) authorizations.
Ask About Afterschool
Contact AbilityFirst to ask about availability, enrollment, and which location may best support your family’s needs.
626.396.1010 | info@abilityfirst.org
What Participants Can Expect
- Activities that support personal and social development
- Opportunities to practice everyday life skills
- Time to connect, play, and build friendships
- Ongoing supervision and personal care
- A person-centered approach shaped by individual interests and needs
Program Details
Ages: 6–22
Format: Primarily site-based; licensed program
Locations: Claremont Center, Lawrence L. Frank Center in Pasadena, and Long Beach Center
Helping participants achieve their personal best
Through center-based activities and community engagement, we help participants achieve their personal best in four key areas:
Life Skills
Developing Independent Living Skills (ILS) and building independence through preparing simple snacks, practicing personal care, and learning community safety.
Socialization
Increasing the ability to interact with peers, respecting personal space, and making new friends through shared experiences like community exploration to museums, cultural landmarks, and theme parks.
Communication
Empowering participants to express their needs and wants through verbal language, body language, picture boards, or assistive technology.
Healthy Living
Encouraging physical activity and wellness, including outdoor play, portion control, and swim instruction at select locations.
“I am so happy C is back in your program. She comes home every day with some project she has worked on. She makes sure she places it in her room where she can see it, again and again. I’m so relieved that C is finally getting some structure and interaction with others. Thank you for all you do for this beautiful population!”
— Afterschool Program parent