Aftercare at Bridges

[Anonymous]

We were recently accepted to Bridges and start tomorrow, but have heard negative things about the before and aftercare provider Springboard. Can any current Bridges tell me how it worked out last year. Sounded like things started out bumpy last year, trying to see if we should commit or try it and see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Aftercare improved significantly by the end of last year, especially after Springboard brought on a new site manager, who is staying on this year. A large part of the problem last year was the relatively last-minute switch to Springboard, but that won't be an issue this year and we are optimistic that it will be a smoother process and better program from the start.

[Anonymous]

I agree - it got much better and I am optimistic that the kinks are worked out of the system now. Since you can pay on a daily basis and do not need to commit to a month, you can try it out during the first couple of weeks and see what you think. The online registration and payment is very convenient and you can pick the days you want.

[Anonymous]

I'm a DCB parent and they just hired Springboard for aftercare. We did a price comparison across all schools and it seems that Bridges and DCB are by far the highest. Any idea why that is?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a DCB parent and they just hired Springboard for aftercare. We did a price comparison across all schools and it seems that Bridges and DCB are by far the highest. Any idea why that is?

I thought that was changing soon...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a DCB parent and they just hired Springboard for aftercare. We did a price comparison across all schools and it seems that Bridges and DCB are by far the highest. Any idea why that is?

My guess, based on what I know about Bridges (not DCB) is that Springboard is charged a fee by the school to set up shop so they pass the cost to the consumer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a DCB parent and they just hired Springboard for aftercare. We did a price comparison across all schools and it seems that Bridges and DCB are by far the highest. Any idea why that is?

My guess, based on what I know about Bridges (not DCB) is that Springboard is charged a fee by the school to set up shop so they pass the cost to the consumer.

But other schools don't charge this fee?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a DCB parent and they just hired Springboard for aftercare. We did a price comparison across all schools and it seems that Bridges and DCB are by far the highest. Any idea why that is?

My guess, based on what I know about Bridges (not DCB) is that Springboard is charged a fee by the school to set up shop so they pass the cost to the consumer.

But other schools don't charge this fee?

I don't know of any. Yes, there are some that run it themselves (MV, YY), I don't know of any that get kickbacks from their vendor that provides aftercare.

[Anonymous]

My understanding is Springboard at Bridges is going through the process to become a program to accept DC childcare vouchers and once that happens the rates will be reduced not o my for those with vouchers but fir everyone else as well. The higher rates are due to not having grant money PTA money or other subsidies to offset the cost as I understand it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is Springboard at Bridges is going through the process to become a program to accept DC childcare vouchers and once that happens the rates will be reduced not o my for those with vouchers but fir everyone else as well. The higher rates are due to not having grant money PTA money or other subsidies to offset the cost as I understand it.

That doesn't explain the different rates between Bridges and other schools like Two Rivers. Two Rivers doesn't have PTA money or grants to offset either.

[Anonymous]

The issue is the number of students paying a reduced rate for aftercare because they are from economically disadvantaged families vs. the number of students who can pay the full rate. My guess is that DCB and Bridges have a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students who are paying less so those paying the full price pay more. We pay full rate while others do not and we have no complaints about this. The cost of aftercare pales in comparison to what we paid for years for daycare for multiple kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The issue is the number of students paying a reduced rate for aftercare because they are from economically disadvantaged families vs. the number of students who can pay the full rate. My guess is that DCB and Bridges have a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students who are paying less so those paying the full price pay more. We pay full rate while others do not and we have no complaints about this. The cost of aftercare pales in comparison to what we paid for years for daycare for multiple kids.

No, that's not the issue; as there are federal subsidies for those students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The issue is the number of students paying a reduced rate for aftercare because they are from economically disadvantaged families vs. the number of students who can pay the full rate. My guess is that DCB and Bridges have a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students who are paying less so those paying the full price pay more. We pay full rate while others do not and we have no complaints about this. The cost of aftercare pales in comparison to what we paid for years for daycare for multiple kids.

No, that's not the issue; as there are federal subsidies for those students.

This. Has anyone directly asked admin at Bridges if they receive the

[Anonymous]

*receive kickbacks from Springboard?

[Anonymous]

The PPs are correct that Bridges is applying for a childcare license so that families eligible for FARMs will be able to apply for vouchers from OSSE to use for Springboard aftercare. It's also true that Bridges has a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students than many other schools, as PP said, so families paying full price have been paying a bit more. The notion that "kickbacks" are involved strikes me as bizarre and unfairly suggests that there is something unethical going on. My experience with the administration is that they are absolutely ethical and committed to meeting the needs of every family at the school, and that they have been working with Springboard over the past year to reduce the cost of aftercare. The cost has already gone down compared to last year, and should go down even more after the childcare license is in place. If you have questions, I suggest you ask the school directly, and, as always, take what you read on an anonymous message board with a grain of salt.