Students and Schools

LINC offers before- and after-school programs, along with fun and educational activities such as chess and athletics, as well as comprehensive family support including food assistance, utility support, and legal referrals.

Before and After School

Helping Kids Excel While Supporting Working Parents

LINC provides a safe, fun and caring environment that supports children’s social, emotional and physical development

The Enrollment Process

Begin your application online to pre-enroll in LINC Caring Communities Before and After-School Program.

Note: Online submission does not complete your enrollment – an in-person interview is required.

Summer 2026 Program Pre-Enrollment

A parent interview is required to complete your students summer enrollment.
Opening registration page in a new tab...

For LINC’s regular full-school year program for 2025-26. Click here to Pre-enroll 

Note: Enrollment for Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 will begin in July 2026.

Locations

Programming is offered at 45 schools in the KC Metro area. 

  • Elementary schools in KCPS and Center
  • Elementary and middle schools in Hickman Mills and Grandview
  • Topping Elementary in North Kansas City Schools
  • Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy Charter School

Hours

Morning program

7 a.m. until school begins.

Afternoon program

School dismissal until 6 p.m.

*Hours may vary by site. When schools or school districts are closed due to inclement weather, LINC before and after-school programs are also closed.

Cost

K-8 programs: FREE 

Pre-K programs: $55 per week*

  • John Sharp Early Learning Center, Hickman Mills
  • Freda Markley Early Learning Center, Hickman Mills

*Childcare subsidies are available for qualified individuals.

 

Program Benefits

LINC’s programming is proven to increase student attendance and reading achievement.  

Each site provides:

  • STEAM
  • Literacy
  • Homework assistance
  • Athletics and fitness
  • Interest-based clubs like cooking, music, theater, and gardening
  • Family engagement and wrap-around services

Fully licensed

LINC before and after-school programs are fully licensed and directed by LINC staff who are state-approved to operate childcare programs. All LINC staff at school sites pass health and annual legal background checks and are trained in CPR.

21st Century Community Learning Centers

LINC delivers focused STEM programming, family engagement and adult education in four school districts through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) program. Each cohort of schools is independently evaluated annually to measure student progress in math, reading, and science and to assess the impact of program participation.

Chess

Clubs and Tournaments for Youth Across the City

LINC has created a model of chess instruction designed specifically for kids. Children ages kindergarten through high school benefit from the curriculum and playing opportunities. 

Clubs

Chess clubs are hosted at 36 different LINC Caring Communities sites.

Tournaments

Each year LINC hosts three chess tournaments and a girls-only tournament. Learn more by connecting online at: facebook.com/LINCchess

Chess University

Once a year LINC hosts a summer training camp for adults interested in learning how to teach chess. This training is perfect for parents wanting to teach their children or teachers and childcare providers wanting to become chess instructors. No prior experience is necessary.
If you’re interested in attending, contact Ken Lingelbach at klingelbach@kclinc.org.
Learn More