Andover families looking to lock in after-school care or preschool spots have a narrow window before the Sept. 14 session start, with the town's Recreation Department posting its 2026-2027 Fall/Winter Program Guide on Monday, Aug. 17.

The biggest change: the Curious Explorers Academy preschool program now runs five days a week, up from a more limited schedule. Parents can choose two-, three- or five-day options in six- to seven-week sessions for children ages 2.9 to 5. Classes meet 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Old Shawsheen School, 18 Magnolia Ave., with a 1:5 staff-to-child ratio and a cap of 12 to 15 children per classroom. Five-day tuition runs $1,050 for a six-week session and $1,225 for seven weeks; three days costs $675 or $788, respectively. A $50 deposit holds a spot.

The Kid Care after-school program is available at all five Andover elementary schools, serving grades K through 5 from dismissal to 6 p.m. Monthly fees range from $255 for two days to $495 for five. The program is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, and state vouchers are accepted.

Registration is open now and continues through the school year as space allows.

Recreation Director Joe Connelly said the guide also moves up summer 2027 registration to Dec. 16, a direct response to parent requests for more planning time.

"We heard you loud and clear and that is why we are starting our summer in-house registration earlier than ever," Connelly wrote in the program guide. "Residents will have the opportunity to begin their 2027 summer registration on Wednesday, December 16, 2026."

The guide lists a full slate of community events through winter:

• Howl-o-Ween & More, Saturday, Oct. 17: Dog parade, costume contest and White Street Band concert behind Old Town Hall, 20 Main St. Concert starts at noon, parade at 1 p.m. $5 dog registration; other activities free. Proceeds benefit the Andover Dog Park.
• Holly Ball, Friday, Nov. 13, 6 to 8 p.m.: Ages 11 and under with an adult at Cormier Youth Center, 40 Whittier Court. $20 per child, limit 200. Pre-registration required.
• Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 5 to 6 p.m.: Ages 2 to 12 at the park at Chestnut and Bartlet streets. $10 per child, limit 200.
• Winter Fest, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2027, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Free all-ages festival at Pomp's Pond with ice fishing, guided hikes, wildlife demos and a beer garden.

Preschool-age families also get a series of themed events at Old Shawsheen ($10 per child, limit 50, pre-registration required), starting with a Teddy Bear Picnic on Thursday, Sept. 24.

The department is hiring after-school group leaders and assistants for Kid Care, with shifts running 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays. No experience is required for assistant positions.

All registration is available at AndoverMa.myrec.com. The Recreation Department office at 36 Bartlet St. is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays; the Kid Care office at Old Shawsheen is open 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. Residents can also call 978-623-8340.