Tell me about Lafayette's aftercare program

[Anonymous]

As a parent with two kids in LAP, I can say it's a terrific program. The providers are fantastic, caring, and creative. Space is an issue--we didn't get in our first year, when our son was in pre-k--but I understand it's better now. A bunch of families with no siblings are enrolled this year, whereas in the past, I think that was pretty tough to swing.

For incoming families, my advice would be to get yourselves on the list as soon as your child is enrolled. The odds are strong this will guarantee you a spot. While not ideal, it's hardly enough of a reason to turn down an amazing school and community--as others have noted, there are two other outside providers, and lots of families use afterschool sitters as well. Worst case, you wouldn't get in for your first year, but would for years afterward, which is what happened to us. We both work, and I know how stressful it is to juggle these things, but we adore the school, and we love LAP.

[Anonymous]

Isn't there a DPR after-care program?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't there a DPR after-care program?

http://dpr.dc.gov/page/afternoon-access-20162017

[Anonymous]

We just moved to the area, and got ourselves on the list but have a number of kids in front of our DC. We have been told that it is unlikely we'll get a spot for the 2017-18 year. Sigh...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't there a DPR after-care program?

http://dpr.dc.gov/page/afternoon-access-20162017

There is, and it's cheap...but it's really poorly supervised, IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was shocked to learn that LAP actually does not have a designated spot in the new renovated school. In the old school they had a large room for LAP only, and they had a lot of things there for the kids to use and do when they couldn't be outside. And there was a separate space for the really little kids. Now, LAP is roaming between the playground, cafeteria (which is insanely noisy) and the multipurpose room. The new school is so spacious I really don't understand why LAP didn't get its own space.

Also to echo PPs, LAP is independent of the school and DCPS. It is sanctioned by both, and coordinates with Lafayette and the principal, but not controlled or funded by DCPS or Lafayette.

I think there is interest in expanding LAP, but without dedicated space and more staff, it's unclear how that can happen.

I would also be surprised about a dedicated room that was more than just an office. Why can't the program just use existing classrooms?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was shocked to learn that LAP actually does not have a designated spot in the new renovated school. In the old school they had a large room for LAP only, and they had a lot of things there for the kids to use and do when they couldn't be outside. And there was a separate space for the really little kids. Now, LAP is roaming between the playground, cafeteria (which is insanely noisy) and the multipurpose room. The new school is so spacious I really don't understand why LAP didn't get its own space.

Also to echo PPs, LAP is independent of the school and DCPS. It is sanctioned by both, and coordinates with Lafayette and the principal, but not controlled or funded by DCPS or Lafayette.

I think there is interest in expanding LAP, but without dedicated space and more staff, it's unclear how that can happen.

I would also be surprised about a dedicated room that was more than just an office. Why can't the program just use existing classrooms?

+1. Our ETOP DCPS has plenty of kids in aftercare, and using existing classrooms is key. They could never fit them all into one dedicated space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was shocked to learn that LAP actually does not have a designated spot in the new renovated school. In the old school they had a large room for LAP only, and they had a lot of things there for the kids to use and do when they couldn't be outside. And there was a separate space for the really little kids. Now, LAP is roaming between the playground, cafeteria (which is insanely noisy) and the multipurpose room. The new school is so spacious I really don't understand why LAP didn't get its own space.

Also to echo PPs, LAP is independent of the school and DCPS. It is sanctioned by both, and coordinates with Lafayette and the principal, but not controlled or funded by DCPS or Lafayette.

I think there is interest in expanding LAP, but without dedicated space and more staff, it's unclear how that can happen.

I would also be surprised about a dedicated room that was more than just an office. Why can't the program just use existing classrooms?

+1. Our ETOP DCPS has plenty of kids in aftercare, and using existing classrooms is key. They could never fit them all into one dedicated space.

LAP doesn't serve all that many students, given the size of the enrollment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There just are not enough spaces but it is improving . There are also two off site aftercares

Wow. Many folks probably wish they knew about this before buying IB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was shocked to learn that LAP actually does not have a designated spot in the new renovated school. In the old school they had a large room for LAP only, and they had a lot of things there for the kids to use and do when they couldn't be outside. And there was a separate space for the really little kids. Now, LAP is roaming between the playground, cafeteria (which is insanely noisy) and the multipurpose room. The new school is so spacious I really don't understand why LAP didn't get its own space.

Also to echo PPs, LAP is independent of the school and DCPS. It is sanctioned by both, and coordinates with Lafayette and the principal, but not controlled or funded by DCPS or Lafayette.

I think there is interest in expanding LAP, but without dedicated space and more staff, it's unclear how that can happen.

I would also be surprised about a dedicated room that was more than just an office. Why can't the program just use existing classrooms?

+1. Our ETOP DCPS has plenty of kids in aftercare, and using existing classrooms is key. They could never fit them all into one dedicated space.

LAP doesn't serve all that many students, given the size of the enrollment.

Right..that's the issue that this thread is addressing. LAP should work with the school and PTA to figure out how to rent more classroom space from DCPS (if that's required) as well as pay for the custodial service to clean up when aftercare is done so the classrooms are ready for the next day.

[Anonymous]

LAP doesn't serve all that many students, given the size of the enrollment.

PP, do you have numbers/experience to share on that?

[Anonymous]

The waitlist is currently at something between 16-25 for LAP.

[Anonymous]

Janney is just as large as Lafayette. They serve their community. Anyone who wants can have after school care. Lafayette needs to figure something else out. It's BS in 2016 to tell families they can have a WL# to get into the program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Janney is just as large as Lafayette. They serve their community. Anyone who wants can have after school care. Lafayette needs to figure something else out. It's BS in 2016 to tell families they can have a WL# to get into the program.

This is why everyone should only go to Janney. It's a magic school that will always have enough room for everyone for everything.

[Anonymous]

Key also has a wait list for aftercare. The school is overcrowded and they are out of room for everything.