Extended Care

Before & After School Care

St. Francis Solanus School offers a comprehensive Before and After School Care program designed to meet the needs of our students and their working parents. This program provides homework assistance, socialization, and active recreation time in a safe, Christian atmosphere.

Enrollment:

Available to St. Francis students, from 4-year-old Preschool through Eighth grade. The service is available all days school is in session.

Hours:

Before School Care: 6:40 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.

After School Care: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Morning Arrival Policy:

  • Any student arriving on school/parish property before 7:50 a.m. is required to report to Childcare in the library.
  • The Childcare rate is $4.00 per hour per child (billed in the same manner as regular care).
  • Students on parish grounds before 7:50 a.m. must be under the direct supervision of a staff member, family member, or daycare provider. This policy is firm.
  • Morning Childcare ends at 8:10 a.m.

Afternoon Care Details:

  • Childcare is held in the room beside the cafeteria on the bottom level.
  • Offered on full school days between 3:00–5:30 p.m.
  • Parents ring the bell to the right of the west doors to enter the building for pickup.
  • Parents will scan a barcode to dismiss their child from childcare.
  • Rate: $4.00 per hour per child. Additional late fees apply for pickups after 5:30 p.m.
  • Coordinator: Mrs. Marsha Collins will continue to be the After School Childcare Coordinator.
  • Childcare is a privilege for SFSS students — cooperative and respectful behavior is required to use the service.

Key Information:

1. Childcare Coordinators:

  • Morning: Mr. Gary Stuckman — Morning Childcare Coordinator.
  • Afternoon: Mrs. Marsha Collins — After School Childcare Coordinator.

2. Supervision and Staffing:

  • A supervisor over age 21 is required during childcare.
  • Staff-to-child ratio: 1 worker for every 8 children, per Springfield Diocese regulations.
  • All childcare staff undergo background checks with fingerprinting and complete required safe-environment training.

3. Enrollment Fees & Rates:

  • No enrollment fee.
  • Cost: $4.00 per hour per child.

4. Snack Fee (After School Care):

  • A $0.40 snack fee per day applies for each child attending After School Care. Snacks are served at around 3:10 p.m.
  • Students will have a choice of three different snacks and can drink from their water bottles.

5. Billing:

  • Childcare bills must be paid monthly through FACTS. Failure to do so may result in suspension of childcare services until payment is made.

6. Eligibility:

  • Morning Care: Preschool through eighth grade students who can manage their behavior with minimal assistance.
  • Afternoon Care: All-day preschool through eighth grade students.

7. Activities Offered:

  • Drawing, board games, building, coloring, reading, socializing, tabletop toys, crafts, homework, outdoor play, and gym use (weather permitting).

8. Behavior Expectations:

  • Students must follow school rules and treat childcare supervisors and workers with respect. Attending childcare is a privilege.

9. Prohibited Items:

  • No trading cards (e.g., Pokémon, sports).
  • Chromebooks are for schoolwork only; no electronic tablets, e-watches, phones, or recreational internet use allowed.

10. Early Dismissal Days:

  • Childcare services are not available on early dismissal days.

Example Childcare Billing:

Student A: Attends from 3:00–3:30 p.m. three days a week.

$4.00 per hour = $2.00 for 30 minutes
$2.00 × 3 days = $6.00
$0.40 snack fee × 3 days = $1.20
Total weekly bill: $7.20

Student B: Attends from 3:00–5:30 p.m. five days a week.

$4.00 per hour × 2.5 hours = $10.00 per day
$10.00 × 5 days = $50.00
$0.40 snack fee × 5 days = $2.00
Total weekly bill: $52.00

We hope that our school childcare program eases some of the concerns of working parents by providing a safe and happy environment for their children.