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    In an effort to do our best in serving our families in need, we are:

    • Asking that you register by August 31st so we are able to determine if we meet the minimum attendance needed to run a SAC program, then we will need to determine staffing needs and availability (which may impact the program times/dates). The Minnesota Community Education Association has developed a COVID-19 Programming Response & Preparedness Plan along with direction from the CDC for safe programming this school year. 
    • Locations (in Ellendale or New Richland) may be open dependent upon receiving enough child registrations & having the available employees to staff those locations - so SAC locations and program operational times may be adjusted based on a variety of these factors. 
    • If we are not able to offer the SAC program, you will not be charged for the dates of care that you are signed up for and you will be refunded any money that has been prepaid for care.

     

    Here are ways that you can help us!

    • For those of you who have already registered - if you have already registered and have recently made other plans for care this school year, please let us know immediately. The more accurate our numbers are, the better we can plan. 
    • When filling out the school year attendance calendar - please be as specific as possible as to when you will need care and the times each day and location needed so we can give families enough notice if we are not able to be open at a site. 
    • Be prepared to be flexible. It is likely that advisories may affect how we run our school year program. We may have to change locations within the buildings to achieve smaller groups, or could have to implement other changes we haven’t even considered yet. If we can be open, we are committed to offering the best and safest program we can. Programming may need to look different than usual.
    • Be patient with us, as the 3 scenarios (in-person, hybrid, and Distance Learning) will affect how we operate our SAC program. 

  • NRHEG School Age Care 

    Bridges - 5th Grade 

    6:30AM to 6:00PM Monday-Friday

    Located on site at Ellendale Elementary School & New Richland Secondary School

     kids  SAC kids  kids 1

    Afterschool programs are a critical resource for working families because, for many families, there is a gap between the time that children get home from school and when parents get home from work. After-school programs offer a safe and enriching alternative to leaving children home alone. School-age care for children (ages 3 years to 5th grade) helps parents fill the gap between school and work schedules in a safe and enrichming environment. 

    School based child care programs provide care and education for children before and after school. They also provide care on non-school days, late start/early release, and during the summer months. This program is designed to be a partnership between school and home. School based child care offers a safe and nurturing environment staffed by educated and experienced professionals. Programs include opportunities for recreation, social skill development, basic skills reinforcement, and academic enrichment within a supportive and familiar environment.

    School based child care programs include:

    1. High quality before and after school care and education.
    2. Opportunities for social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each child.
    3. Daily programming that provides enriching, engaging, and developmentally appropriate activities while reinforcing positive self-esteem and confidence.
    4. Opportunities for parents and students to develop positive relationships with school staff and administration.

    Some School based child care programs have the ability to serve:

    1. Infant care- 6 weeks-3 years
    2. Preschool age care- 3-5 years
    3. School age care- K-5 grade
    4. Middle school age care- 6-8 grade 

    A typical School Age Care Program (K-5th grade) begins at 6:30am and ends at 6:00pm. Children are usually dropped off in the morning where they are able to play, socialize with peers, work on homework, etc. They would then go to school during the day and would return after school is over. Afternoon programming would involve children playing in a playroom or gym with peers, doing arts & crafts, eating snack, playing organized or group games/activities, getting help with homework, reading, etc. until parents/caregivers pick them up. Non-school days during the school year and summer rotate between structured and free-play activities/games to keep children interested and engaged with each other and in various activities. Breakfast & snacks are generally served during the day and lunches are either provided by the program or are required to be sack lunches brought from home. This type of program is very convenient and flexible for working families and could provide care for families anywhere from 1-40+ hours per week.