Cape discusses before- and after-school care

Cape Henlopen School District is looking into options for before- and after-school care for students whose parents may need help when the district's new start times go into effect next school year.

“The change of start times has been a concern for our families, and we take that very seriously,” said Donna Kolakowski, supervisor of elementary curriculum.

Kolakowski said the district is talking to two providers for after-school care to Cape Henlopen elementaries. Sussex YMCA serves Rehoboth and Shields elementaries, and the Boys & Girls Club serves H.O. Brittingham and Milton elementaries.

Kolakowski said the YMCA also provides before-school care at Shields.

The cost to parents is under discussion, but both programs offer Purchase of Care – a state subsidy for day care – and tuition assistance, she said.

The district could decide to use one program for all five of its elementaries or split the programs by school.

“I would like some consistency in the costs if we do go with two groups,” said Superintendent Robert Fulton.

There's an educational component that would include science, technology, engineering and math oriented school work and homework help; movement and sports to provide activity; and snack and quiet time.

“Both programs want to hire current staff. That would make a nice transition for the kids,” Kolakowski said.

Fulton said district officials are considering a before-school program to begin at 6:30 a.m. and an afterschool program for about two hours following the end of the school day.

Board member Jessica Tyndall asked how before-school care would work when there is a snow or fog delay.

“The parent who has to be at work at 8:30 doesn't get a fog delay. Are we still able to utilize those services for that scenario as well?” she asked.

Both providers said they would accept drop-ins, said Fulton.

Board President Andy Lewis said there is a difference between offering a before-school program under normal conditions and providing those services when there is a delay.

“That was already a problem for parents before we changed the schedule,” he said. “If the organizations can, that would be great, but there could be a staffing issue.”

Fulton said his goal is to finalize a plan in January.