Radford City Public Schools will soon be offering before and after school care for students pre-k through sixth grade students for a fee.
The amount of the fee will be dependent on how many students enroll in the programs. The school division was hoping to offer the service for free using grant funds, but was not approved for the grant for this school year.
Before care for elementary students from 7:30 – 8 a.m., called the Early Riser’s Program will continue “through the month of September cost-free to participating families,” Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Ellen Denny announced via email Wednesday. “Beginning in October the division will charge a monthly fee for this service which is dependent on student enrollment in the program.”
For example:
If there are 60 children signed up, the charge will be anywhere from $62.86 to $99.78 a month, depending on the number of school days in the month and based on a daily rate of $4.49.
If there are 78 children signed up, the charge will be anywhere from $48.30 to $75.90 a month depending on the number of school days in the month and based on a daily rate of $3.45.
If there are 100 children signed up, the charge will be anywhere from $37.68 to $59.18 a month, depending on the number of school days in the month and based on a daily rate of $2.69.
Parents will be required to pay per month. “Unfortunately, the division cannot offer a day to day or week to week service pay plan at this time,” the announcement read.
The Early Riser’s Program, which will be held at McHarg Elementary and at Belle Heth Elementary is an early morning academic enrichment program for elementary students.
“The YMCA of Blacksburg will work with RCPS to provide early morning tutoring and student supervision Monday through Friday,” the description of the program reads. Transportation to school for students participating must be provided by the parent/guardian. In addition, employment information must be provided to RCPS through this google form for each applicant. Each student participant must have a separate google form completed for them as RCPS will not accept one “family” application. All information submitted must be based on the 2023-2024 school year.
After school care for elementary students will be provided 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
“RCPS is partnering with the YMCA at Virginia Tech (the Y at VT) to provide quality and affordable after school care,” the program description reads. “The program is for elementary students, K-6 and will run all weekday afternoons, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Many families have already shown interest in the program and will receive an email in the near future with a survey link so that RCPS and the Y at VT can collect additional information. Enrollment will drive the monthly fee. Each families’ payment requirement will be based on household income. If needed, the Y at VT can help interested families apply for subsidy payments through the Department of Social Services. There may also be some scholarships for families in need of after school care but have a limited household income. “
Anyone who is interested in the programs but has not already enrolled can do so through the school community-wide email sent out on Wednesday or by contacting their child’s school.
Radford News Journal staff report
