School is back in session, bringing new routines — and new milestones for students.

For some, this is the year they are allowed to go home to an empty house instead of an after-school program or day care. It’s a decision faced by many parents whose work or other obligations keep them from coming home until long past school release time.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. kAm(:E9 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^2A?6HD]4@>^2CE:4=6^65F42E:@?\8C2?ED\27E6C\D49@@=\DF>>6C\a``cd`a`a4bffba`725c4fd`52b63h57Qm27E6C\D49@@= 42C6k^2m @7E6? 6IA6?D:G6 2?5 92C5 E@ 7:?5[ A2C6?ED 92G6 C62D@? E@ 6?4@FC286 :?56A6?56?46] qFE 9@H 42? E96J 36 DFC6 E96:C 49:=5 :D C625J E@ ?2G:82E6 9@>6 @? E96:C @H?[ 6G6? :7 @?=

See Full Page