They are programs in which children can participate. Baby sitting services are available normally after 6 PM by staff which is finished working for the day. They are paid directly by you, a fee set by the cruise lines. Staff members that wish to do this sign up at the Purser's Office, and you can request a babysitter. This is on a first come reservation system.
Some ships have group babysitting in the evenings.
If there are children on the ship, their job is to operate the program. If there are no children that sailing, then they revert to a secondary job. Children's programs offer all kinds of supervised activities for ages 2 years to 17 year. The cruise lines divide the children by age brackets and on some ships have dedicated facilities including separate pools, deck areas, and other spaces with toys, games, and even computers. For younger children, there is even the opportunity on some ships for the children to eat lunch and dinner as part of the program.