Before & After
School Care
Morning and afternoon care in our childcare room, every day school is in session. Open to St. Francis students only.
Before and after school care
Extended care runs every day school is in session, mornings and afternoons, in our childcare room. It exists so that children aren't waiting unsupervised on school grounds before the doors open, or home alone while a parent is still at work.
The people supervising are people your child already knows from the building, and it's open to St. Francis students only.
When care is available
On any day school dismisses early, for weather or any other reason, there is no extended care. We'll always tell families in advance through the school newsletter or by text message.
Mornings
6:30 to 8:10 a.m.Drop off any time after 6:30. At 7:50 students move to the cafeteria, where a teacher supervises them until the first bell at 8:10, and that stretch isn't billed. You're charged only for time before 7:50.
Afternoons
3:00 to 5:30 p.m.Billed from 3:00 until you pick up, or until 5:30. After 5:30, late pickup charges apply.
What they do in the afternoon
Board games and bingo, arts and crafts, reading, and outdoor time on the playground. Extended care also has the gym until 4:00 p.m., so there's somewhere to run even in bad weather.
Homework
Homework isn't required, but there's a quiet area set aside for students who want to get it done before they go home.
Breakfast
We don't serve breakfast, though your child is welcome to bring something simple and eat it during morning care, cleaning up afterward.
Early dismissal days
No extended care on any day school dismisses early, including for weather. We'll tell you in advance through the newsletter or by text.
Rates and how to reserve
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extended care, per hour per child | $4.00 |
| Afternoon snack, per day per child | $0.40 |
| Late pickup after 5:30 p.m., per child | $5.00 |
| Each additional 15 minutes after 5:30 | $2.25 |
The snack fee applies to any student still here after 3:05 p.m. Billing goes through the FACTS Family Portal.
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To enrollComplete the enrollment form online, or pick up a paper copy in the school office.
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You'll be asked for a scheduleThe days and hours your child will attend. This is how staff hours get set, so we ask for it up front.
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To change your scheduleLet us know by Monday of the week before the change takes effect. For a one-off, like your child staying on a day they're not scheduled or not needing care on a day they are, call the school office before 2:00 p.m. and we'll get word to the supervisor.
Questions about enrollment or your schedule: Mrs. Marsha Collins, mcollins@stfrancissolanus.com, or the school office at (217) 222-4077.
Who's watching your child
Signing in and out
An adult signs your child in at drop-off and signs them out at pickup, every time. It's also how notes get passed between families and the supervisor.
If a child doesn't arrive
At the start of each afternoon session, the supervisor checks the expected students against the day's absence report. If your child was at school but doesn't turn up at extended care, we look for them on the premises and then call you. Please let us know in advance if a scheduled child won't be attending.
Background checks
Every applicant goes through a full reference and background check before being hired.
Who runs it
A Program Director oversees the staff day to day, and the Pastor, Principal, and Program Director together approve every new employee.
Electronics
Phones, personal electronics, and toys from home stay at home. Students in grades six through eight may use a school iPad or Chromebook for homework in a supervised area, not for photos, video, or games.
Belongings
Students look after their own things, and we ask that they pick up whatever they were playing with before they leave. We aren't able to take responsibility for lost or damaged items.
Extended care works because students treat the workers respectfully and follow directions. If that stops being true, the principal may ask a family to make other arrangements. It's rare, and we'd always talk with you first.
What are the hours for before and after school care?
Morning care runs 6:30 to 8:10 a.m., and afternoon care runs 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., every day school is in session.
How much does extended care cost?
$4.00 per hour per child, plus $0.40 per day for the afternoon snack for any student here after 3:05 p.m. Billing goes through the FACTS Family Portal.
What happens if I'm late picking up?
There's a $5.00 charge per child after 5:30 p.m., plus $2.25 for each additional 15 minutes. If you're running late, call the school office and let us know.
Who can use extended care?
St. Francis Solanus students only.
How do I sign up?
Complete the enrollment form, or pick up a paper copy in the school office. You'll be asked for a schedule of the days and hours your child will attend.
Can I change my child's schedule?
Yes. Let us know by Monday of the week before the change takes effect, since staff are scheduled a week ahead. For a one-off change, call the school office before 2:00 p.m. that day.
Is extended care available on early dismissal days and snow days?
No. If school dismisses early for any reason, including weather, there is no extended care that day. We notify families in advance.
Is breakfast provided?
No, but your child may bring something simple to eat during morning care.
Can my child do homework there?
Yes. Homework isn't required, but there's a quiet area for students who want it. Sixth through eighth graders may use a school device for homework in a supervised area.
Can my child bring a phone or a tablet from home?
No. Personal electronics, phones, and toys from home aren't permitted in extended care.
Where does extended care take place?
In our childcare room, located behind the library, with access to the gym until 4:00 p.m.
What our families say
Goes above and beyond
Mrs. Collins is special to St. Francis School because she is dedicated, kind and a genuinely good person. She goes above and beyond to make each student feel supported and valued creating a positive and welcoming environment for all of the families of St. Francis.
Dr. Samuel & Danielle Healy Family
See a normal Tuesday.
Classroom structure makes a lot more sense when you watch it happen. Come during the school day and we'll walk you through our school.