Fall 2020 on-site learning pods!
We have a limited number of spots available in our on-site learning pods.
Elevator pitch below! Keep scrolling for more detailed information!
low ratios of 1 adult with a maximum of 9 children
full day programming-- Mon-Fri, 8 am - 3 pm
guidance and assistance with online/distance learning (both synchronous and asynchronous)
progress monitoring on grade specific Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
supplemental curriculum that is aligned with the TEKS and developed in collaboration with learners and parents
opportunities for group studies and clubs in a wide variety of areas including, but not limited to: music, theatre, foreign languages, arts, movement based activities, etc.
thorough health screening procedures and hygiene measures that include facilitating communication among the parents of each learning pod
***Because at this time we have limited information on exactly what each child’s school day will look like, we do not yet know how much time there will be for supplemental curriculum and clubs, etc. We ask for patience and flexibility as we navigate this new program and manner of schooling.
More details:
We are asking all families who sign up to commit for the entire fall semester. Why is this? We assume that if school opens back up before January and we don't require the on-site folks to stay on, we might find ourselves in a situation where several families drop. It'll leave us providing care for the remaining families at a level of loss that could very quickly put us under. If everything miraculously turns around in a way that most/all families are able to safely go back to school and we are able to serve a large number again, we'll happily let everyone off the hook and go back to doing after-school. It just doesn't seem likely for the fall.
Tuition is on a sliding scale, from $800- $1,200 per month. We recognize that none of you were planning on paying what ends up being private school tuition, and we acknowledge the precarious nature of life/work/sanity right now. Please know that when we tell you we need to average $1000/mo per child, this is just to help us stay afloat, and we're not looking to make a profit right now. Our rent is quite high, and because we are only able to serve about 1/3 of our normal capacity, the amount we're charging is necessary in order to sustain our program. You'll be asked on the registration form to tell us the amount you plan to pay each month. Please don't hesitate to reach out if the amount that you are able to pay shifts during the semester; we're here for you and will do everything we can to make it work.
August tuition will be prorated. You'll be charged a little less than half the regular amount you'll be expected to pay for other months.
On Monday, August 17th, we'll do our in-person KID ORIENTATION! It'll only be from 8a until noon, so you just need to send snacks, a water bottle, and your child's wifi-enabled device. The goal will be to get everyone's device set up so that we're ready to go on Tuesday morning, which is when the semester officially starts. We'll also play games, set expectations for the students, and meet one another! (Attendance isn't mandatory for this day, but it'll help the first day run much more smoothly if your child attends, FYI.)
The fall semester runs from August 18th through December 23rd. Aside from the closure dates listed below, we'll provide care, guidance and fun every weekday from 8a to 3p.
No extended care available at this time. We understand that many families need care beyond 3 pm. In order to maintain stable groups and also be able to provide our staff with some planning and cleaning time at the beginning and end of each day, we are only able to offer care during the posted hours. (They’re working straight through the day and eating lunch with the kids as it is!) We are, however, open to the idea of providing transportation home at the end of each day. Contact us for more details!
Make note of the dates we'll be CLOSED:
Monday, September 7th (Labor Day)
November 23rd - 27th (Thanksgiving week)
December 24th - January 3rd
***Please note: if there are other dates on the AISD calendar on which schools are "closed" but we're not, we'll provide other fun and educational programming during the regular hours of 8a to 3p.
Assuming conditions in the spring semester are similar to the present, we will resume programming as of January 4th, as long as we have enough families sign up. We will reach out to all of you by December 1st with an update on this.
There will be a mandatory one-hour PARENT ORIENTATION via Zoom for every learning pod. Once we've solidified enrollment and assigned everyone to a pod (max. 9 kids), we'll reach out to the families within each pod to schedule a one-hour meeting time that will work for everyone (likely in the evening, sometime between August 3-14). During this meeting, you'll get to meet the smsc directors and staff, and one another. We'll discuss our community agreements, drop-off/pick-up procedures, ask and answer questions, etc. We believe that having everyone actually see and speak to one another (albeit virtually) will enable us to share the responsibility of keeping one another safe.
Masks are required for everyone, and only students/staff are allowed to enter the building each day. Please make sure to have a clean, well-fitting mask for your child each day. Staff will wear them all day, and students will be required to wear them during certain times (we'll come to a consensus within each pod during orientation as to when exactly students will need to have them on). Additionally, only students and staff will be allowed to enter the building each day. This is a Child Care Licensing rule; if you are brand new to the program and would like to schedule a time to get a quick tour of the building before August 14th, feel free to email us!