Tim has always been proud of his after school program in Austin. For years, he and his staff have provided a safe and fun environment for kids whose parents needed a few more hours of coverage after the last bell rang. Parents love the enrichment activities, the kids enjoy the mix of tutoring and play, and the schools appreciate how much it helps families in the community.
Every year prior to school starting in August, the school district sends over a request for proof of insurance. This has always felt like a check the box task to him, just like it does to most people running after-school youth programs.
He had secured a General Liability insurance policy online several years ago and sent over the form they needed from the renewal paperwork.
The first week of school, one of the children in his program tripped on the playground and scraped her knee. It was nothing serious, but the parent pulled Tim aside and asked, “Does your insurance carrier cover situations like this, or does the school’s policy take care of it?”
Tim froze. For the first time, he realized he did not actually know.
Why Liability Insurance Is More Complicated in School Buildings
Many after-school youth programs across Texas operate inside public school buildings. The arrangement makes sense for both parties. Schools already have classrooms, gyms, and playgrounds, so it is convenient to use that space. But there is a hidden truth that catches many directors by surprise.
Operating in a school building does not mean the school’s liability insurance covers your program. District policies are designed to protect the district itself, not the contractors or organizations renting space. That is why school districts require proof of coverage. They know their policy does not extend to you.
For a director like Tim, this meant the school would not step in to defend his program if a parent filed a liability claim. The responsibility fell squarely on him.
Three Big Liability Insurance Expectations You Must Know
If you run an after-school youth program in Texas schools, you cannot assume the school’s insurance has you covered. Here are three critical things program directors need to understand right now.
- The School Districts Insurance Will Not Cover Your Program
- School Districts Will Require You To Show Proof Of Coverage And Meet Requirements
- General Liability Alone Is Not Enough For Child-Centered Programs
For those pressed on time, there is an FAQ section at the bottom of the page. Now back to Tim's story.
The School District’s Insurance Will Not Cover Your Program
When Tim was asked the question by the parent, he looked more closely at the district’s requirements of his coverage. This led him to look at the district's commercial general liability insurance policy.
Tim realized something important during this process. The district had its own liability insurance, but that protection applied only to the district and its employees. Outside operators like Tim’s program were not included.
That meant if a parent filed a lawsuit, the school would not defend him. His program would be responsible for attorney fees, settlements, and judgments. Otherwise known as defense costs. The district’s policy was never designed to shield outside groups from those kinds of risks.
It was a wake-up call. Tim saw that relying on the school’s coverage was like leaving the door unlocked at night. He thought he was safe, but the truth was very different.
School Districts Will Require You To Show Proof of Coverage And Meet Requirements
Most Texas school districts will not allow an after school program to use their facilities without proof of liability insurance. This included the Austin area district Tim was partnered up with. They usually require a Certificate of Insurance, and they will want to be named as an additional insured on the policy.
When Tim turned in his certificate for the year, the district offices sent it back. His policy limits were too low, and the additional insured endorsement was missing this time. Without the correct paperwork, the district could have pulled his access to the building altogether.
This showed Tim that it was not enough to just have a policy. The coverage needed to meet specific requirements. If he did not meet them, he could lose the space his program depended on.
General Liability Alone Is Not Enough for Child-Centered Programs
At first, Tim thought a commercial general liability insurance policy would be all he needed. But when he sat down with our experienced specialist, he discovered that child-centered programs face unique risks.
For example, abuse and molestation liability coverage is critical when you are working directly with children. Professional liability insurance is needed for tutoring or enrichment activities. General liability doesn't cover your business if an employee is accused of something nefarious with one of the kids.
Tim realized that without these protections, one accusation could devastate his program. Even a false claim could mean huge legal bills, reputational harm, and financial losses. A general liability policy might check the district’s box, but it would not actually protect his business when something serious happened.
The Real Lesson Tim Learned
Tim began this process thinking all he had to do was hand over proof of insurance to satisfy the district. But as he looked deeper, he discovered that those requirements were only the beginning. Meeting the district’s checklist might keep the doors open for now, but it would not shield his program from the real risks of working with children.
After talking with our experienced Texas daycare and education insurance agent, Tim secured coverage that included abuse and molestation liability, professional liability, and higher policy limits. He got a new Certificate of Insurance that met the district’s standards, and he could finally answer parents’ questions with confidence.
Most importantly, he gained peace of mind. He knew that if something went wrong, he would not be standing alone in a courtroom. His program would have the defense and financial backing it needed to survive.
Protecting After School Programs the Right Way
After school youth programs like Tim’s play an essential role in communities across Texas. Parents rely on them, schools benefit from them, and kids thrive in them. But working with children inside school buildings comes with risks that cannot be ignored.
The school district’s insurance will not cover your program. Certificates of Insurance with specific requirements are mandatory. And general liability alone is not enough to protect you from the unique risks of child care and education.
That is why True Texas Education Insurance exists. It was created specifically for daycare centers, after school programs, and preschools in Texas. Our specialists understand the risks you face and know how to build coverage that truly protects you.
If you are running an after school program inside a Texas school, do not stop at the district checklist. Protect your program, your staff, and your future with coverage that goes beyond the minimum.
👉 Click the button below to talk with a Texas-based insurance expert who understands your risks and can help you secure the right liability coverage for your program.