Finding reliable and enriching After School Care Programs In Memphis is a top priority for working parents. Memphis-Shelby County Schools understands this need and offers Extended Learning Opportunities and Programs (ELOP) designed to provide a safe, structured, and engaging environment for school-age children. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ELOP and how it can benefit your family.
What are Memphis-Shelby County Schools ELOP After School Care Programs?
The Extended Learning Opportunities and Programs (ELOP) are initiatives by Memphis-Shelby County Schools aimed at supporting families by offering high-quality after school care programs. These programs are carefully designed to extend the learning day in a fun and meaningful way, providing parents with peace of mind knowing their children are well-cared for and continuing to learn and grow beyond regular school hours. ELOP programs are self-funded and operate under the guidelines of the Tennessee State Department of Education and the Department of Human Services, ensuring they meet strict safety and quality standards.
A key focus of these after school care programs in Memphis is to complement the regular school day curriculum. ELOP programs offer a range of activities that are interactive and stimulating, focusing on the holistic development of each child. This includes academic enrichment, emotional growth, physical activity, and social skills development. Your child will have the opportunity to explore various interests and skills through diverse experiences.
Key Features of ELOP After School Care Programs
Engaging Activities
ELOP programs are packed with diverse and enriching activities to keep children engaged and excited to learn. These activities include:
- Literacy and Numeracy: Fun and interactive ways to reinforce reading and math skills.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Hands-on activities and projects to spark interest in these crucial subjects.
- Arts & Crafts: Opportunities for creative expression and artistic exploration.
- Music and Drama: Engaging with the performing arts to develop creativity and confidence.
- Physical Fitness: Games and activities to promote health and well-being.
- Cooking and Nutrition: Learning basic cooking skills and healthy eating habits.
- Project-Based Learning: Collaborative projects that encourage problem-solving and teamwork.
- Occasional Field Trips: Exciting outings to enhance learning experiences.
Importantly, nutritious meals are provided daily at no extra cost, ensuring your child receives proper nourishment while in the program.
Qualified and Caring Staff
Supervision is paramount in after school care programs. Memphis-Shelby County Schools ELOP programs are overseen by the Office of Extended Learning Opportunities and Programs, with daily operations managed by a dedicated Supervisor of Childcare.
The staff at each ELOP site, including Site Leaders and Site Workers, are employees of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. They meet rigorous employment standards set by the TN Department of Education and Shelby County Schools. All staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid and receive ongoing training in child development and quality programming.
ELOP staff are committed to creating a supportive, healthy, and safe learning environment. Their goal is to positively impact your child’s academic success, behavior, attendance, and overall school experience, while fostering strong parental involvement. They are trained to interact with parents professionally and respectfully at all times. If you have any concerns about staff behavior or performance, you are encouraged to contact the ELOP Supervisor of Childcare, the school Principal, or the ELOP office.
Convenient and Safe Locations
ELOP after school care programs in Memphis are conveniently located right on your child’s school campus. For example, at Brownsville Road Elementary, the ELOP site is within the school building and utilizes outdoor play areas, providing a familiar and secure setting for your child.
Each ELOP facility meets all Fire and Health Department standards, ensuring a safe environment. A telephone is available on-site for communication and emergencies, allowing parents to reach the program staff when needed. If you experience any difficulty contacting the ELOP staff by phone, it’s important to report this to the school Principal and/or the ELOP office promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions About ELOP Programs
1. How do I register my child for ELOP?
Registration for Extended Learning Opportunities & Programs (ELOP) is done online.
2. What information do I need for online registration?
To ensure a smooth registration process, have the following information ready:
- Your child’s State ID number (a 7-digit number starting with 3 or 4).
- Student-specific medical information.
- Emergency contacts and authorized pick-up individuals.
3. Where can I find my child’s State ID number?
Contact your school’s ELOP site supervisor or the main school office to obtain your child’s State ID number.
4. Why is my child on a waiting list?
Waiting lists occur when a program site reaches its capacity. Factors influencing capacity include staff-to-student ratios mandated by state and federal regulations (TDOE Chapter 0520-12-01). These regulations ensure proper supervision and safety for all children.
5. How long will my child be on the waiting list?
Children are placed on waiting lists in chronological order. The duration of time on the list depends on staff availability and openings due to student changes. You will be notified by email and phone as soon as a spot becomes available.
6. Why was my child not automatically accepted this year?
The online registration process operates on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all families, aligning with state and federal guidelines.
7. What if ELOP is full? Are there other after school care options in Memphis?
Upon request, the ELOP Office can provide a list of licensed child care centers in your school’s vicinity. Contact the ELOP Office at 901-416-4709 or email [email protected] for this information.
8. How do I make payments for ELOP?
Payments are made electronically after your child is accepted into the program.
9. When can I make payments?
Payments can be made from Monday morning of the current service week up to Monday at 11:59 p.m. Payments made after this time will incur a late fee. You can also pay for up to three additional weeks in advance.
10. What payment methods are accepted?
ELOP accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards, debit cards, and pre-paid cards.
11. Will I receive a payment receipt?
Yes, an email receipt is automatically sent to the email address in your account profile after each successful online payment.
12. How do I access tax information for ELOP payments?
Log into your ELOP account, click on your profile name, and select ‘Tax Statement’ to download your tax statement as a PDF file.
13. Is language assistance available for non-English speakers?
Yes, ESL support is available at the Northeast Regional Office (920 North Highland Street) or by calling (901) 416-1750. You can also contact the ELOP office at (901) 416-4709 for assistance.
14. What if I don’t have internet access for registration?
If you lack internet access, you can visit Brownsville Road Elementary, the ELOP Office (920 North Highland, Memphis, TN 38122), the Grays Creek Office (2800 Grays Creek, Arlington, TN 38002), or the MSCS Parent Welcome Center (2687 Avery Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112) for assistance with online registration.
Conclusion
Memphis-Shelby County Schools ELOP after school care programs in Memphis offer a fantastic solution for parents seeking enriching and dependable care for their children after school. With a focus on safety, engaging activities, and qualified staff, ELOP programs provide a valuable extension of the school day, supporting both children and families in the Memphis community. Consider ELOP for your child and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
