Decent aftercare programs?

[Anonymous]

Our school may have the opportunity to re-solicit our aftercare contract for next year. Anyone we should make sure receives the solicitation?

[Anonymous]

Having seem several options at our elementary school over the years, I would say whatever you (parents, school community) can do to retain some control over governance is the way to go. Sure, you can contract but any contractor essentially holds a monopoly under your roof and will sooner or later slack off. And when they do, you don't easily get to resolicit. It's also notoriously difficult to hire good afterschool providers unless you have a great crop of teachers and paraprofessionals in your school willing to serve after school. Unless they trust the entity running it, it's not worth their while.

I'm not advocating for anything "parent-run". Too wobbly and prone to failure. Any PTA having gotten into that business will also tell you it's ungrateful and a huge time sink and distraction from serving the whole school rather than a subset of parents who need/want options after school. But if you have an opportunity to create something that serves your school's particular needs, many of which may tie in with daytime offerings and thus need your principal's dedication, you should seize that, ranging from assisting a group of teachers willing to mount something, to seeking the assistance of a nearby proven service, to helping your school hire an afterschool coordinator who is willing and able to take a holistic view at your needs.