PPS On-site Child Care Resource

As we were chatting about some of the issues around after care for our school-age children (cost, space, quality, and providers, among other things), we added these important programs to the School Connections site.  For those of us relying on these programs, they are an integral part of our children's school experience and yet another provider and program to get a feel for.  So, now you'll find links to eight of the 10 different on-site child care providers on the Schools Connection forum (some don't have web sites).  And better yet, you can 'connect' and discuss them, too - just as you've been doing for individual schools:

1. Vermont Hills Family Life Center
2. Art4Life
3. YMCA
4. Peninsula Children's Center
5. Friendly House
6. Portland Jewish Academy
7. Irvington Extended Day Program
8. Sun Community Program

We hope this will help us assess and compare providers and programs and benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who have gone before us!  The PPS child care web site has important information, as well, that is definitely worth a look.

Connect: Woodstock Elementary School

Mamas are looking to connect.  Do you have feedback about Woodstock?  Do you attend Woodstock?

Woodstock
K-5
5601 SE 50th
Portland, OR 97206
503-916-6380

Laurelhurst K-8

Hi mamas!
We are considering a move into the Laurelhust school boundary. Any opinions on the school? Do they have any special programs ? Is the school worth a costly move? Any in-put would be greatly appreciated.Thanks!

Astor Elementary/Middle

Astor K-8

5601 N. Yale

503.916.6244

A rockin' chess club for all grade levels, NikeGo (a good program notwithstanding the corporate sponsorship of public schools), conflict manager program, PE, art, and library.

This neighborhood school encourages parent involvement and has an active, dynamic, dedicated PTA.

Vermont Hills Family Life Center

Anyone with experiences to share about Vermont Hills Family Life center?  From their website,

"Vermont Hills Family Life Center (VHFLC) is a not for profit organization which has provided child care in the Portland metropolitan area continuously since 1979 and currently services approximately 200 preschoolers and 700 school age children in over 25 sites.VHFLC is dedicated to enriching the lives of children through a secure and warm environment that promotes self-esteem. Our program involves each child in his or her various developmental stages. We support the family as it encourages each child’s special worth. The philosophy of VHFLC is to provide families with education, development and support, through childcare and other family services. At Vermont Hills, we value and respect each child’s individuality as well as the child’s opportunity to experience fun, wonder and challenge in a social setting with positive, health role models. We value and support families with a divers arena and place a high value on open communication while providing a safe emotional and physical environment for our children. VHFLC values, promotes and provide opportunities for staff growth and development as well as fostering teamwork and professionalism. Our staff are there to help capture your child’s zest for learning as well as provide support for your family through a well defined program curriculum and nurturing child care."

Art4Life

Art4Life is the before and after school provider for Abernethy, Emerson, Maplewood, Richmond, Sunnyside, and Winterhaven schools.  Do / have you had a child enrolled in this enrichment program?  Have you been happy with it?  What are your experiences with it?

YMCA

The YMCA Before and After School enrichment programs are offered across a number of public school districts in addition to private schools across the Portland metropolitan area.  From their Website, this is a bit about the program offered through the Y:  "At the YMCA we provide school age enrichment programs in more than 40 locations through out the area. In our programs, children are encouraged to make their own choices from a variety of activities. Those activities helps kids grow as a whole person – artistically, physically, socially, mentally and personally."

Do you have any kid(s) in this program?  Can you share any experiences with the urbanMama community?

Peninsula Children's Center

Peninsula Children's Center Before and After School Program serves children ages 5 to 12-year-olds.  Locations:

• Peninsula Elementary School, 8125 N. Emerald, Portland, OR 97217 (503) 289-0661
• Boise-Eliot Elementary School, 620 N. Fremont, Portland, OR 97227 (503) 282-0042
• Sabin Elementary School, 4013 NE 18th Ave., Portland, OR 97212 (503) 756-2761

Anyone out there with experience in the Before/After School program?

Friendly House

Does anyone have any experience with the Friendly House before / after care enrichment program?  Can you share your experiences in the comments? From the Friendly House Website, a bit more about their Chaps program:

"Friendly Chaps is a school-age care, enrichment and recreation program designed to meet the Chapman School community's need for affordable, quality school-age care. During the summer Friendly Chaps becomes Summer Chaps, an all-day camp program for families throughout the Portland metro area. What We Do: This program engages children in age-appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, group games, sports, field trips, and free-choice time. Friendly Chaps has a 12:1 child to teacher ratio. The program and its qualified and dedicated staff are certified by the Child Care Division of Oregon's Employment Department.           Hours:  Monday through Friday 7:00am -8:00am and 2:15pm - 6pm Chaps is open before school, after school, and on most school closure days."

Portland Jewish Academy

Quoted from the Portland Jewish Academy Website:

"Before & Afterschool Enrichment Program at Forest Park Elementary School

Monday - Friday
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
7:00 am - 8:00 am

Our Mission
Our programs are dedicated to the care, education, and development of children and youth during their out of school time. We emphasize life skills through community service and enrichment-based programming."

Anyone with experiences to share?

Irvington Extended Day Program

From the Irvington Extended Day Program, "The IED before and after school program runs from 7:00 to 8:35 in the morning, and from 3:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon. Breakfast is available at the school through the school meals program. Two snacks are provided after school.Children are able to participate in arts, crafts, games, and other activities. After school there is supervised outdoor playtime on the playground, weather permitting, and recreation in the gym every day. Children enrolled at IED may also participate in other before and after school activities available at the school. (Some of these may require additional fees and/or are limited in enrollment.)"

Any thoughts out there on the program?