Registration began Monday, March 29, for the Batavia Park District’s Kids’ Club before- and after-school care programming.
After the COVID-19 pandemic led to online classes and a hiatus for Kids’ Club, Batavia Public School District 101 will resume full, in-school learning April 6, after the Easter holiday. Kids’ Club is scheduled to begin April 12.
During this before- and after-school care program, children can receive homework help, show their creative streak with arts and crafts, try out fun science experiments, and play on playgrounds. All the while they will be in safe environments in their schools, on familiar turf.
“The hours before and after a child’s day at school may only be a few, but they can certainly present an enormous challenge in terms of finding safe, affordable and stimulating supervision of children,” executive director Allison Niemela said. “We are pleased to offer this solution for our residents.”
Kids’ Club will be available for about seven weeks, from April 12 through May 7, and from May 10 through May 27. Costs vary, depending on whether children are signed up for three days or five days each week. Please refer to bataviaparks.org for pricing information.
“My staff are excited to be back in the schools working with students,” said Bethanne Guidarelli, recreation supervisor for the Park District and the head of Kids’ Club.
COVID protocols must be followed, which include the wearing of masks both indoors and outdoors by children and staff members when social distancing is not possible. Before arrival, students will be asked to fill out a health screener. Each parent will need to show the QR code to Batavia Park District staff members upon arrival. Sanitizing and disinfecting common areas and each child’s supplies will occur regularly, and hand sanitizer must be used upon entering and leaving rooms.
Still in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents or guardians might be working from home or from their office. Kids’ Club’s morning and afternoon sessions provide a safe place for children while offering the adults who love them the chance to work or commute.
“Some parents still have to get on the train and go down to the city,” Guidarelli said.
Hours of operation are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Fast Passes will not be available for the remainder of this school year.
Registration needs to be completed in person on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Civic Center, 327 W. Wilson St. Kids’ Club will be available at the following elementary schools: Alice Gustafson, Grace McWayne, H.C. Storm, Hoover-Wood, J.B. Nelson and Louise White. In order to meet enrollment minimums, the Park District needs at least 10 children per day, per morning and afternoon session, for each school.
For questions about Kids’ Club or Park District programming, call the Park District at 630-879-5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.
—Batavia Park District