A new Philipstown recreation program
By Michael Turton
Childcare for school-age children is about to get easier for parents in the Haldane Central School District. Beginning in September, Philipstown Recreation will offer on-campus childcare for young Haldane students.
Before school, parents will be able to drop off their school-age children at 7:15 a.m. After the final bell, the program will run until 6:15 p.m. Children can be enrolled for one to five days per week for before care, after care, or both. The cost varies depending on which option parents choose. For a child enrolled in both before and after care for all five school days the cost is $400. Before and after care for one day per week costs $115. Reduced rates are available for children registered in the recreation department’s Afternoon Adventure Program. A per-diem rate of $10 an hour without having to commit to long-term registration will also be offered but will be dependent on availability.
Superintendent of Education Diana Bowers said the impetus for the new program, which she said is common in other school districts, came from the community. The program will cost the school district nothing; in fact Bowers said it will be a revenue producer since the Recreation Department will pay rent of $500 per month. “This is a Philipstown Recreation Department program,” Bowers said, including responsibility for meeting all licensing requirements.
The district considered contracting with a private company that provides a similar service in other districts, Bowers said, “but we wanted to keep it local and Philipstown Rec seemed like a natural choice.” She said that in the first year, the cafeteria and one kindergarten classroom will be used to house the program.
“Our program is exceptionally well priced. It’s a really good deal.” Said Amber Stickle, Philipstown’s director of recreation and parks. “We’re not a profit-making organization. All our programs look to cover our costs.” Stickle said she will also work with the Haldane PTA enrichment programs to transition those children into after care for parents who require that service.
Stickle said that registration will be capped at 21 children “until we get our bearings,” but that the number could increase later on. The program, which is geared to K-6 students, is licensed through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
The program will not offer childcare in the case of early dismissals, delayed openings and school closures. Children registered for before care can take part in the school breakfast program.
Program registration has already begun. Parents can either drop into the Philipstown Community Center at 107 Glenclyffe Drive in Garrison or call 845-424-4618 to enroll.
“This is a great example of how our community organizations can work together to meet the needs of our local families,” Stickle said.
