By Jolene Farley
Hills-Beaver Creek School officials hope a new after school program this fall will bridge safety and nutrition needs in the district.
"There is really a need," said District Administrator Jil Vaughn. "Parents are looking for some place for their school-age children to be after school, rather than home alone."
Kid Care, as the new program is called, will provide a safe, healthy environment and learning activities for students, according to Vaughn.
The program goals are to foster relationships with caring, competent and consistent school staff members and form a partnership between the families, schools and community.
Activities and interest centers for children are planned. For example, time is allowed for indoor play, active outdoor play, imaginative play, field trips, individual time, snack time, homework time and more.
A major focus of the program is for community members to share their special interests or talents with students in the program. Vaughn invites community members to volunteer for the program.
She learned of the need in the district when parents told her surrounding schools offered after school care. She sent a survey home to gauge interest in starting a similar program in Beaver Creek, and 21 families with a total of 39 children responded.
Heather Erickson, Beaver Creek, has been hired as the supervisor coordinator for Kid Care. She has a bachelor's degree in sociology. Haley Tollefson, Sioux Falls, S.D., is on board as program assistant. Tollefson has a bachelor's degree in education.
Grants provided by the Southwest Minnesota Foundation and the Rock County Collaborative are helping with start-up costs for the program. Vaughn said she hopes Kid Care will eventually become self-supporting.
Kid Care is is available to families from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays), beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Parents can register their children by returning the form included in the school packets. A small fee will be charged for the service.
"I think it will be a really good program," she said. "I think there is a need in the district."