Simplified: The Sioux Falls School District helped nearly 1,000 more children access after-school and summer care in the first year of its new Community Learning Center (CLC) program, but the district has yet to find a sustainable funding source to continue the program long-term.
Why is this important?
- Last fall, the district opened a community learning center. All 22 elementary schools in the city of Sioux Falls. The centers replace the former Kids Inc. program and are run through partnerships with four nonprofit organizations: Embe, the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club and Volunteers of America.
- These centres, in particular, Helping kids who had no place to go after school, Data presented to board members on Monday showed that in its first year, it's working: More than 400 kids received financial assistance last year, a 50% increase from the previous year.
- The initial success has been great, with CLC students Early academic and behavioral improvements Students will be able to meet and take classes during regular school hours, said Rebecca Wimmer, the district's community engagement and after-school programs coordinator.
- But if the program continues, the district We need to come up with a sustainable funding model. As the cost of care increases.
“If we're thinking long term, this has to be generational,” Wimmer said. “We can't just offer it for five years and then it goes away. This has to be generational.”
Tell me more about CLCs
Here's a great explanation of how these work:
In the first year, the district CLCs were approximately Over 1,000 children The ratio of after-school and summer childcare increased from the previous year.
- About 40% of these children From a low- or low-middle-income family level (defined as 200% or less of the poverty line).
Currently about There are 320 children on the waiting list. To receive CLC care, Wimmer said, “We have to be patient.
on the other hand, The burden on parents has almost doubled From 2020 onwards, it will increase from $40 a week to $75 a week.
What happens next?
The district is Expanding options for middle school students That includes work being done at the new Boys & Girls Club site adjacent to George McGovern Middle School.
- Also, More learning opportunities For children in the elementary school program.
Wimmer said the district Increase family listening sessions The center aims to build community and give parents a greater say in their children's schools.
“One of the reasons is that our schools are at the heart of our communities,” Superintendent Jane Stavem said, “which means people come together, talk and care about their schools. This partnership gives us another way to continue to add value to what we do.”