August 3, 2020

While our after school program is pending additional information from both the State Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Summit Schools, here is what we know to date.

The school district appreciates the importance of after school care at the schools but it will be a number of weeks before they know if they will be able to provide us with space. We are continuing to work closely with them to offer school-based after school care wherever possible.

In the meantime, we are working with DCF to provide additional after school care in multiple rooms throughout The Connection’s building from 12:30pm – 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. If there is interest, we will also offer a 3:30pm pick-up option.

Please be aware that if all our after school programs must be located at The Connection, it may be a challenge to transport children by bus from the schools to our building. At this time, DCF is only permitting us to transport 5 children at a time on a 24 person bus. We will conduct multiple bus trips, consider walking from some of the schools, and ask parents and caregivers to transport children to our building when possible (for a reduced fee).

There are a number of COVID-19 preventative measures we must take. One of the restrictions is that we are limited to after school class sizes of 10 students. Therefore, it will be necessary for us to give priority to the families who have registered, or are willing to register, for 5 days a week. If we can accommodate families interested in fewer days a week, we will accept them. The monthly charge for care 5 days a week until 6:00pm will be $850. While we are accepting new applications, space is not guaranteed due to government-ordered capacity restrictions.

Because your child’s safety guides every decision we make, we will strictly adhere to COVID-19 preventative measures. For instance, all staff complete a daily health screening questionnaire and have their temperature taken before entering the building and the same will be required of your child(ren). Intensified cleaning and disinfecting procedures have been implemented throughout the building using EPA approved disinfectants and following CDC guidance.

As in the past, we will follow the Summit school district’s calendar with a start date of September 1st.  Should schools need to close, we will provide care as permitted by the Department of Health and DCF.

We realize how essential after school care is for many of our families and assure you we are deeply committed to helping support you as best we can.

Sincerely,

PS Many families have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. We are working with our funders in an effort to provide increased financial aid. If you are in need, please contact Michelle (michelle.stelluto@theconnectiononline.org)