The excited, high-pitched volume of children's voices and lots of laughter greets visitors at schools in the Care After School program.

Giggling groups of students play games, morph into "mad scientists" as they experiment with safe science potions, or search through applesauce for hidden treasures on "Fear Factor Day."

A trip outside to the playground or exploring a climbing wall also are options.

"I think one of the best compliments we get are when parents come in to pick up their children and the children don't want to leave," said Marge Culver, program director.

The Care After School program begins at 7 a.m. and ends promptly at 6 p.m. each school day at 10 Worthington elementary schools: Bluffsview, Brookside, Colonial Hills, Evening Street, Granby, Liberty, Slate Hill, Wilson Hill, Worthington Hills and Worthington Park.

The program will expand to Worthington Estates next school year.

"We believe that children learn through play," Culver said. "After the structured setting of school all day, we provide children with choices about what they'd like to do."

Culver said children are offered age-appropriate activities, such as sports, arts and crafts, math and literacy games, dramatic play, science and discovery and music.

The curriculum is designed to meet the developmental needs of elementary children and includes nutritious snacks and programs to promote active, healthful lifestyles.

"Children can also choose to read, relax, play with toys and games, or visit with their friends," she said. "They are having so much fun, they don't realize they are learning and practicing new skills."

Culver said a dedicated and talented staff -- four to six at each school -- are experienced in working with school-age children.

"Several of our site directors have been with the program for more than a decade," she said.

The program has been a popular one in Worthington, with available openings quickly filling up each school year.

"Right now, we have openings at Brookside and Colonial Hills, but a lot of our programs are full, and we have waiting lists," Culver said. "The morning programs have a bit more availability."

Morning programs begin at 7 a.m. until school begins; afternoon programs begin as soon as school ends and end at 6 p.m.

Parents need to arrange to pick up children before 6 p.m., because a strict $10 fee for every five minutes parents arrive after 6 p.m. can be levied, according to information at the Web site, careafterschool.com.

The program is not sponsored or financially supported by Worthington schools, but the two have a close working relationship, since it is based in each school cafeteria with use of the school playground and gymnasium.

Homework time also is structured into the schedule.

Fees vary based on how many days a week a child is enrolled in the program.

The Care After School program was founded in 1984 by a group of parents concerned about unsupervised children in their neighborhoods, Culver said.

That first group received support form the PTAs at Brookside, Liberty and Worthington Hills, then later incorporated as a nonprofit organization, becoming self- supporting through parent tuition.

For more information, call Care After School at 614-431-2266 or visit the Web site, careafterschool.com.