After a survey of parents showed an overwhelming support for before and after school care for students at Okotoks' St. Mary's School, administration has decided to move forward with a program in partnership with TOPP Kids.
Principal Brandon Bailey said a survey showed 92 per cent of parents would be in favour of programs being established at the school.
"The answer we got back was a clear yes," he said of the survey.
"From there we've been working on a space and working with the partner group to figure out what the expectations are from the school perspective."
All students in the kindergarten to Grade 6 school are eligible for registration in the program, he added.
Bailey said having before and after school care available at St. Mary's was valuable to parents for a few reasons.
"There's no transportation necessary, I think that's one of the factors that parents were considering, was the fact that it eliminates the need for students to be waiting for a different mode of transport to daycare or what not," he said, adding that safety was also a consideration.
TOPP Kids has run numerous programs in schools in Calgary, Bailey said.
According to the organization's website, it provides an array of S.T.R.E.A.M. programs (Science, Technology, Reading & Writing, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), literacy activities, nature exploration, life skills, leadership and Kids Clubs. It also runs a physical literacy program based off of the new Alberta Active Afterschool guidelines.
"They were able to present to us an option for providing learning opportunities and skill activities for students which was also something the parents were looking for," said Bailey. "So, we can provide a safe space for students before and after school but also it'll be stimulating, it's fun, engaging."
No school employees will be involved with the service and care will be facilitated by trained staff. It is TOPP's responsibility to make sure it's care ratios are up to standard, it's licensing and accreditation are up to date, as well as any other protocols. The provider also hires it's own employees.
The program, which is set to begin in the fall, has had considerable interest thus far. Bailey said they expect space to be a factor so parents interested in registering their kids should contact TOPP as soon as possible to accommodate their request.
The principal added that efforts have been made to reduce the cost for parents.
"Ultimately, we know that coming out of COVID, where families have maybe been working from home and that's changing over the summer and for that fall, we know that families are really looking for this type of a service and we're just pleased to be able to offer this service to our families and take that worry and concern off their plate so they know their kids are safe and taken care of," said Bailey.
To inquire about the before and after school program at St. Mary's or to register, visit toppkids.com/locations/st-marys-school/
