Help me understand outsourcing aftercare?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you need 30 minutes of care, consider a babysitter, possibly another parent or grandparent.
Having free PS3 and choices of aftercare is really not imposing anything on you. Aftercare is not a "right"

This. Except I would look into using a teacher or aide. That's what my friend does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok- we are starting PS3 at Tyler in the fall of 2016. Tyler is Title I, so we should have free aftercare.

But- turns out that the PTA at Tyler decided to use an outside supplier for the PS aftercare. That is all well and good if it was an option: where parents could pay for aftercare or use DCPS. However, DCPS does not even offer aftercare for the PS kids anymore at Tyler.

So help me understand this. Why, as a group of parents would you run out free aftercare?

We are undergoing this process at our Ward 1 elementary school. The administration has two choices: stay with DCPS or go with a private contractor and parents received a survey. Right now, afterschool care is run by DCPS and is free to everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis regardless of income.

While I love free aftercare, there are several reason I hope the school switches:

1. Right now, DCPS-run afterschool is only permitted to hire DCPS staff. The district gave the school funding for 220 slots, but currently they've only hired enough staff for 195 students because it is tough to convince teachers and staff already working a full day to stay another 3 hours. A private contractor could hire staff from school and from outside the school.

2. A private contractor would be able to offer beforecare in addition to afterschool care, which is essential to our family.

3. A private contractor could offer fee-based "extras" (organized sports, music lessons, etc.) which could attract some students would may only need aftercare on a part-time basis.

4. Next year, DCPS plans to start charging $80/month for aftercare programs that it runs at our school (no beforecare). Right now, it's free to all families. The contractor would charge ~$60/week, but the school has said there would be reduced rates for qualifying low-income families, and possibly grants. (There would be no reduced rate or grants for DCPS-run aftercare).

5. A private contractor would be able to offer drop-in or daily rates, which are not available now.

Quality aside, I think there are a lot of logistical and technical reasons why I think (for our school at least), it makes more sense to shift to an outside contractor and I think the administration has done a great job of being proactive about researching options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok- we are starting PS3 at Tyler in the fall of 2016. Tyler is Title I, so we should have free aftercare.

But- turns out that the PTA at Tyler decided to use an outside supplier for the PS aftercare. That is all well and good if it was an option: where parents could pay for aftercare or use DCPS. However, DCPS does not even offer aftercare for the PS kids anymore at Tyler.

So help me understand this. Why, as a group of parents would you run out free aftercare?

We are undergoing this process at our Ward 1 elementary school. The administration has two choices: stay with DCPS or go with a private contractor and parents received a survey. Right now, afterschool care is run by DCPS and is free to everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis regardless of income.

While I love free aftercare, there are several reason I hope the school switches:

1. Right now, DCPS-run afterschool is only permitted to hire DCPS staff. The district gave the school funding for 220 slots, but currently they've only hired enough staff for 195 students because it is tough to convince teachers and staff already working a full day to stay another 3 hours. A private contractor could hire staff from school and from outside the school.

2. A private contractor would be able to offer beforecare in addition to afterschool care, which is essential to our family.

3. A private contractor could offer fee-based "extras" (organized sports, music lessons, etc.) which could attract some students would may only need aftercare on a part-time basis.

4. Next year, DCPS plans to start charging $80/month for aftercare programs that it runs at our school (no beforecare). Right now, it's free to all families. The contractor would charge ~$60/week, but the school has said there would be reduced rates for qualifying low-income families, and possibly grants. (There would be no reduced rate or grants for DCPS-run aftercare).

5. A private contractor would be able to offer drop-in or daily rates, which are not available now.

Quality aside, I think there are a lot of logistical and technical reasons why I think (for our school at least), it makes more sense to shift to an outside contractor and I think the administration has done a great job of being proactive about researching options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you need 30 minutes of care, consider a babysitter, possibly another parent or grandparent.
Having free PS3 and choices of aftercare is really not imposing anything on you. Aftercare is not a "right"

This. Except I would look into using a teacher or aide. That's what my friend does.

Yes- it is. In a title I school. And it's a 'right' for the families that don't/can't spend $500 a month.

[Anonymous]

No - it isn't a right.

It is a benefit that the city has decided to offer which, unlike a seat in K and beyond, could be taken away at any time should the city's finances or priorities change.

This sounds like the latest battle between the gentrifiers and the rest of the city -- good to see we've moved beyond sugary yogurt and cereals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok- we are starting PS3 at Tyler in the fall of 2016. Tyler is Title I, so we should have free aftercare.

But- turns out that the PTA at Tyler decided to use an outside supplier for the PS aftercare. That is all well and good if it was an option: where parents could pay for aftercare or use DCPS. However, DCPS does not even offer aftercare for the PS kids anymore at Tyler.

So help me understand this. Why, as a group of parents would you run out free aftercare?

We are undergoing this process at our Ward 1 elementary school. The administration has two choices: stay with DCPS or go with a private contractor and parents received a survey. Right now, afterschool care is run by DCPS and is free to everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis regardless of income.

While I love free aftercare, there are several reason I hope the school switches:

1. Right now, DCPS-run afterschool is only permitted to hire DCPS staff. The district gave the school funding for 220 slots, but currently they've only hired enough staff for 195 students because it is tough to convince teachers and staff already working a full day to stay another 3 hours. A private contractor could hire staff from school and from outside the school.

2. A private contractor would be able to offer beforecare in addition to afterschool care, which is essential to our family.

3. A private contractor could offer fee-based "extras" (organized sports, music lessons, etc.) which could attract some students would may only need aftercare on a part-time basis.

4. Next year, DCPS plans to start charging $80/month for aftercare programs that it runs at our school (no beforecare). Right now, it's free to all families. The contractor would charge ~$60/week, but the school has said there would be reduced rates for qualifying low-income families, and possibly grants. (There would be no reduced rate or grants for DCPS-run aftercare).

5. A private contractor would be able to offer drop-in or daily rates, which are not available now.

Quality aside, I think there are a lot of logistical and technical reasons why I think (for our school at least), it makes more sense to shift to an outside contractor and I think the administration has done a great job of being proactive about researching options.

Actually if a family is on TANF or Medicaid their kids will still qualify for free aftercare. Everyone else must pay the $20/week.

http://dcps.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dcps/publication/attachments/Co-Payments%20for%20Parents%20Frequently%20Ask%20Questions%20FAQs.pdf

[Anonymous]

I don't think this is a gentrification issue. It has to do with parents with different needs and DCPS aftercare.
As pp pointed out, DCPS aftercare in title 1 schools may or not be free depending on the year and the cost is not insignificant. In 2012-13 and 14-15 we were charged $10 a day for DCPS. You must pay for all days. There is no before care. And -- there are not enough slots for all kids. And to say the supervision is lax is an understatement. Like broken limbs, injested items, etc.
If you are a family that works earlier hours and needs before care or does not work a M-F week, it can also be much much cheaper to do drop in one or two or three days a week. Also as pointed out, if set up correctly, DC childcare vouchers can be used to cover the cost and reduced rates are also available.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, while I get your concern, being annoyed that somebody made a choice for you when you are not even at the school is a stretch. once you are enrolled, make your calls to the PTA/whomever is in charge of aftercare and the aftercare provider and see if they have a sliding scale and also make them aware that you have a SN child.

Fair enough.

I guess I'm just stunned that the school would allow a change if the default.
I work at another title 1 school. It offers DCPS and private aftercare. And parents can choose.
I'd happily be a 'have' in a 'have not' aftercare.

Of course, it's easy to be in the group which gets the good stuff. How will your little Becky feel when she gets to do dance and music and field trips while Malcolm and Maria watch videos and eat cheetos?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, while I get your concern, being annoyed that somebody made a choice for you when you are not even at the school is a stretch. once you are enrolled, make your calls to the PTA/whomever is in charge of aftercare and the aftercare provider and see if they have a sliding scale and also make them aware that you have a SN child.

Fair enough.

I guess I'm just stunned that the school would allow a change if the default.
I work at another title 1 school. It offers DCPS and private aftercare. And parents can choose.
I'd happily be a 'have' in a 'have not' aftercare.

Of course, it's easy to be in the group which gets the good stuff. How will your little Becky feel when she gets to do dance and music and field trips while Malcolm and Maria watch videos and eat cheetos?

^ More importantly, how will Malcolm and Maria feel when it's right in front of their faces that some children are more equal than others?

[Anonymous]

Our Title I school decided to never allow for two-tiered opportunities. They brought in a contractor to offer a fun aftercare activity, but only allowed it once everyone would be included. This is fair. Of course it's a gentrification issue. New (higher HHI) families come in and change the landscape. If it's a Title I school, there should ALWAYS be activities available that allow (and promote) the participation of low-income kids. Period. If you're able to provide something different for your children, do so. But, don't push opportunity from others because you want a choice. Your income already avails you of alternatives. Duh.

[Anonymous]

We've been expanding privately run activities to supplement the DCPS aftercare at our Title 1 school. We've been working pretty hard to have money set aside to pay for anyone who can't afford it so that there isn't a division between have and have nots. It's pretty challenging (fundraising, managing), but I think working so far.

It's not just great for my (relatively advantaged) kids. It's also great that kids who otherwise wouldn't have it can benefit too.

[Anonymous]

I know of no other school on the Hill that is charging $500/month. Tyler's PTA should chat w/Peabody, Brent, J.O, Ludlow... I personally ran out the free DCPS aftercare at one of those schools bc you do in fact get what you pay for: 28 3 and 4 year olds with one adult who cursed, shouted, and encouraged fighting. But $500 is well over and above the schools I listed. Good luck on this one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, while I get your concern, being annoyed that somebody made a choice for you when you are not even at the school is a stretch. once you are enrolled, make your calls to the PTA/whomever is in charge of aftercare and the aftercare provider and see if they have a sliding scale and also make them aware that you have a SN child.

Fair enough.

I guess I'm just stunned that the school would allow a change if the default.
I work at another title 1 school. It offers DCPS and private aftercare. And parents can choose.
I'd happily be a 'have' in a 'have not' aftercare.

Of course, it's easy to be in the group which gets the good stuff. How will your little Becky feel when she gets to do dance and music and field trips while Malcolm and Maria watch videos and eat cheetos?

^ More importantly, how will Malcolm and Maria feel when it's right in front of their faces that some children are more equal than others?

the world is not an equal place. life isn't fair. Not everyone gets the same thing. The poor kids already know they getting less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, while I get your concern, being annoyed that somebody made a choice for you when you are not even at the school is a stretch. once you are enrolled, make your calls to the PTA/whomever is in charge of aftercare and the aftercare provider and see if they have a sliding scale and also make them aware that you have a SN child.

Fair enough.

I guess I'm just stunned that the school would allow a change if the default.
I work at another title 1 school. It offers DCPS and private aftercare. And parents can choose.
I'd happily be a 'have' in a 'have not' aftercare.

Of course, it's easy to be in the group which gets the good stuff. How will your little Becky feel when she gets to do dance and music and field trips while Malcolm and Maria watch videos and eat cheetos?

^ More importantly, how will Malcolm and Maria feel when it's right in front of their faces that some children are more equal than others?

the world is not an equal place. life isn't fair. Not everyone gets the same thing. The poor kids already know they getting less.

Of course they do. That doesn't mean a good public school should exacerbate the inequalities. Two-tiered aftercare sounds like a bad idea. Next you can have the poorer children use their own water fountains.