Finding the right after care program for your elementary school child is crucial for working parents. At Mill Creek Elementary School, we understand the need for a safe, engaging, and structured environment for your children after the school day ends. Our after care program with Mill Creek Elementary School, known as the Mill Creek Extended Day Program, is designed to provide just that – a seamless extension of the school day where students can thrive, learn, and have fun.
What Does the Mill Creek Elementary After Care Program Offer?
The Mill Creek Extended Day Program is more than just supervision; it’s a comprehensive program designed to cater to the diverse needs of elementary school children and their families. We offer a variety of services to ensure your child’s afternoon is both productive and enjoyable.
Morning Care: Start the Day Right
For parents with early morning commitments, our morning care service begins at 6:30 am and runs until the school day officially starts. Students in our AM care program are walked into the cafeteria and signed in daily, ensuring a smooth and safe transition into the school day. This service provides a calm and supervised start to the day, allowing children to socialize and prepare for their classes in a relaxed setting.
After School Care: Fun and Learning Until 6:00 PM
Our core service is the after school care program, operating from school dismissal until 6:00 PM every school day. We provide a structured yet fun schedule filled with activities, care, and opportunities for growth. Each day includes dedicated time for:
- Homework Assistance: We understand the importance of homework completion. Students are given dedicated time and a conducive environment to begin their homework assignments. For students in grades 1-2, 30 minutes are allotted, and for grades 3-8, 45 minutes are provided, Monday through Thursday. While we provide assistance, we encourage parents to review completed work at home to ensure accuracy and understanding. Kindergarten students do not have assigned homework time in the extended day program, recognizing their need for family support in this new academic area.
- Nutritious Snacks: A daily snack is provided at no extra charge to keep students energized through the afternoon. We cater to general dietary needs, but parents of children with food allergies are asked to inform the staff during registration. If your child requires specialized snacks, please provide them daily.
- Engaging Activities: Beyond homework, we offer a variety of activities including arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor play, and structured games. Our goal is to provide a well-rounded experience that stimulates creativity, encourages physical activity, and fosters social interaction.
- Additional Fee-Based Activities: To further enrich the program, we also offer additional activities that may require a separate fee. These activities vary and provide opportunities for students to explore specific interests and talents.
Important Program Details
- Operating Days: The Extended Day Program operates only on regular school days, mirroring the Mill Creek Elementary school calendar. We do not offer care during holidays or teacher planning days. Please refer to the 2024-2025 district calendar and the Extended Day Calendar (links provided below) for specific dates.
- Registration and Fees: To enroll in our after care program with Mill Creek Elementary School, a non-refundable registration fee of $150.00 per child is required. This fee supports the program by covering the costs of snacks and activity materials. As the program is self-supporting and receives no district, state, or federal funding, all fees are required to be paid in advance of service, adhering to Florida state regulations. Once paid, fees are non-refundable.
- Fee Structure: Fees are charged per 18 school day period. For the standard schedule, the fees are:
- AM Care Only: $200.00 per child per period
- PM Care Only: $350.00 per child per period
- AM/PM Care: $400.00 per child per period
- Wednesday Only: $200.00 per period
Discounts are available for families with multiple children, Saint John’s County School District employees, and active-duty military personnel. Please see the Rates document (link below) for detailed discount information.
- Payment Procedures: Payments can be made by check or money order payable to MCA EXTENDED DAY. Please include your child’s name in the memo line and ensure your phone number is on the check. Online payments are also accepted through WWW.SCHOOLPAY.COM.
- Payment Due Dates: Refer to the 2024-2025 Fee Schedule (link below) for specific payment due dates. Payments are due in advance of services. Late payments (more than 5 days past due) will incur a $25.00 late fee. Children cannot attend the Extended Day Program until fees are paid in full.
- No Drop-In Service: For the 2024-2025 school year, we are not offering drop-in services. Enrollment is for students with a consistent monthly schedule and rate.
- Late Pickup Policy: The Extended Day Program ends promptly at 6:00 PM. Late pickups will result in a charge of $1.00 per child, per minute, payable at the time of pickup. Consistent late pickups (more than three times) may result in removal from the program. We understand emergencies happen, so please have backup pickup arrangements in place.
Daily Program Structure and Procedures
To ensure a smooth and safe experience for all children in our after care program with Milcreek Elementary School, we have established daily procedures:
- Afternoon Dismissal: Students are expected to report directly to their assigned Extended Day Teacher immediately after school dismissal. Failure to report may lead to disciplinary action as it is considered an extension of the school day.
- Dismissal Changes: Any changes to dismissal arrangements must be communicated via email to [email protected] at least one hour before school dismissal. Students are not permitted to use the phone to make unarranged dismissal changes.
- Homework Time: As mentioned, dedicated homework time is scheduled daily. Students are expected to bring all necessary homework materials with them to the Extended Day Program. Returning to classrooms for forgotten items is not permitted. We encourage parents to review homework at home, even if it is completed at the program.
Secure and Safe Pickup Procedures
The safety of your child is our top priority. Therefore, strict pickup procedures are in place:
- Designated Pickup Area: All children must be picked up from the designated area.
- Sign-Out Required: An authorized adult must sign out each child daily. Children are not allowed to sign themselves out.
- Photo ID: Until Extended Day Staff recognize all authorized adults, a photo ID is required for pickup.
- Authorized Pickup Persons: Please list all authorized individuals on the registration form. Children will only be released to those listed, unless prior emergency arrangements are made (phone calls accepted in emergencies only). Individuals not on the authorized list and without photo ID will not be permitted to pick up a child.
Contact Us to Learn More and Register
If you are interested in enrolling your child in the leading after care program with Mill Creek Elementary School, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Extended Day Coordinator:
Arthur Thomas – Extended Day Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 904-547-3751
We look forward to welcoming your child to the Mill Creek Extended Day Program!
Important Links:
- 2024-2025 MCA Ext Day Fee-Schedule
- 2024-2025 MCA Ext Day Information Packet
- 24.25 Extended Day Fee Rates
- 2024-2025 MCA Ext Day Fee-Schedule
