Afternoon Extended Care is offered to children enrolled in morning Mixed-Age Kindergarten classes on a first come first served basis, Monday through Friday from 12:15 until 2:45 p.m.  On days when there is early dismissal, there will be no extended care.

Advance registration for this program is recommended at the time of enrollment.  An Extended Care contract (separate from the regular Enrollment Contract) will be generated, detailing the charges and payment schedule for the program.  “Drop in” reservations can be accommodated with 24 hours notice and payment up front, as long as there is available space.

The Extended Care Program seeks to support and complement the rhythm established in the morning program.  The program begins with children eating lunch (packed from home) together with a regular Kindergarten class teacher or the Extended Care Provider. When the children have finished their lunch, the Extended Care Provider will guide the children in  putting lunch boxes away and getting ready to rest (all leftovers from lunch go back home so parents know what and how much has been eaten). 

Until everyone's resting place is made and the lunch table is cleaned up, the children may help others make up their resting place or look at a book or play with a few toys, put their animals or dolls to bed, or go to the bathroom.  A certain song is sung to signal story and resting time. Some children may want a doll or kitty to cuddle up with.  A gentle story is told to the children, a couple of simple songs on the Lyre or flute are played and then the children rest.  The teacher may continue to sing softly or play an instrument to lull and calm the children.  Some of the children fall asleep and some will only rest.  After 45 minutes of rest, the teacher gently awakens the children.  Everything is put away, and the children may play inside or outside, per the discretion of the Extended Care Provider.

The school provides a cot and pillow for each child; pillows are labeled with the child’s name and are washed every two weeks.  Parents are asked to provide a blanket no bigger than a beach towel, preferably made of 100% cotton.  Blankets may be taken home to be washed at parent’s discretion.  Extra pillows and blankets are on hand for “drop in” extended care and are laundered regularly.

On Fridays, 1st and 2nd graders have early dismissal at 12:15.  For those 1st and 2nd graders whose parents are working or are otherwise engaged, they may join the Extended Care program free of charge on Friday.  While these older students may not actually nap, they are still expected to rest quietly with the other children, until resting time is over.

Extended Care Pick-up
Extended Care ends at 2:45 p.m.  Please park your car in the parking lot or on the street and walk into the school to pick up your child by the Mixed Age Kindergarten classrooms.  3:00 p.m. is considered late for Extended Care pickup.  A late fee will be charged to any parent picking up students after 3:05.