Changes to after-school program and youth center hours
The City Executive Council today approved changes to the service rules governing after-school programs and youth centers for disabled children. These proposals primarily shorten operating hours during the winter and on so-called "long days." The changes take effect Aug. 22, 2026. The City Executive Council also approved extending youth center hours to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Extended youth center hours
Jökull Logi Sigurjónsson, a youth council representative for Laugardalur, Bústaðir, and Háaleiti, submitted the original proposal for extended youth center hours. He recommended extending evening hours to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, keeping youth centers open until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, and adding one more evening session per week. He suggested these changes take effect in fall 2027.
The School & Recreation Council reviewed and approved most of the proposal with an amendment: Youth center hours will be extended to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, with the changes taking effect this fall in 2026. The City Executive Council has now approved the proposal.
After-school programs — changes to hours
The main change is that after-school programs will close at 4:30 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. during the winter. On public holidays, during winter and spring breaks, and on professional development and parent days, services will be available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. instead of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other service arrangements remain unchanged, including the requirement for parents to register their children separately for these days; this registration is binding.
Youth centers for disabled children — reduced hours
Similar changes are planned for youth centers that serve disabled children and teenagers. These facilities will continue to offer services after the school day ends, but will close at 4:30 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. Services on public holidays and during school breaks will also see reductions, operating from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rules regarding registration, payments, and the afternoon snack remain unchanged.
Reason for the changes
According to the supporting report, these changes follow revisions to the Department of Education & Youth's 2025 budget, which required adjusted operating hours. Implementation was previously delayed, leaving services partly underfunded — particularly at general after-school programs. The adjustments will align the rules with the department's funding and strategic plans.