Extended Day Care can watch your kids

I have to be at work by 7 a.m. Can I drop my child off at school before that time? Can my child stay at school until I get off work at 5 p.m. each day? Will schools be open during the summer? Will I be able to get child care during the fall and spring breaks next year?

Warren County School System’s Extended Day Care Program is a possible solution for each of those questions. All K-5 and K-8 schools have an Extended Day Care Program, with the exception of Irving College due to lack of enrollment in the program.

Hours for the morning program are from 5:30 a.m. to the start of the school day at a cost of $2.50 per day. Students may stay in the afternoon program from the time school is dismissed until 6 p.m.

If the student is picked up by 4 p.m., the cost is $3 per day. The cost for pick up after 4 p.m. is $5 per day. Snacks are provided each afternoon at no extra cost.

Summer day care program hours are from 5:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. with breakfast and lunch provided. The cost for a full day during the summer is $17 per day. The summer program is centrally located at West Elementary for all students, regardless of where they attend school during the school year.

Plans are to offer day care at each participating school during the fall and spring breaks in next year’s school calendar if at least seven students enroll for the week. As with the full day summer program, the cost will be $17 per day, with breakfast and lunch provided. At least seven students must enroll in the program in order to offer the program at a school. If fewer than seven enroll at a school, those students may be allowed to enroll in the program at another school.

Extended day care employees must pass a drug test and a background check before working in the program. They work to provide a quality program for our students though planning various arts and crafts activities, organized play times, and homework help.

‘I think the program is a benefit to parents and students because it’s a safe and healthy environment for children before and after school,’ says Martha Kirby, director of the Extended Day Care Program.

If you have questions or would like more information about the Extended Day Care Program, please contact your child’s school office or Ms. Kirby at Irving College Elementary at 668-8693.