Registration opens for Oswegoland Park District's Kids Connection childcare program

The Oswegoland Park District's Kid's Connection childcare program will open for area elementary-age students Aug. 24, with registration beginning at noon, Monday Aug. 17.

A press statement provided to the Ledger Aug. 17, confirmed the program will be offered for the duration of the remote learning phase currently chosen by Oswego School District 308, with plans to provide before and after-school care once the district returns to in-person learning.

"However, this could change based upon local, state, and federal guidelines and the precise details of the return-to-learning plan of SD308," the statement reads.

The program will be available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 6:15 p.m. at: Wolf's Crossing Elementary School, 3015 Heggs Road in Aurora; The Wheatland's Elementary School, 2290 Barrington Drive West in Aurora; Churchill Elementary School, 520 Secretariat Lane in Oswego; Southbury Elementary School, 820 Preston Lane in Oswego, Old Post Elementary School, 100 Old Post Road in Oswego, and Prairie Point Elementary School, 3650 Grove Road in Oswego.

A Frequently Asked Questions page on the Kid's Connection website provided additional information, and confirmed that each location will have the capacity for 50 people - including staff.

Families can select to attend two, three, or five days a week for $39 a day, though the choice must be consistent from week to week. Parents can choose the location that meets their needs, the statement confirmed, and more schools may open "if enrollment warrants."

Financial assistance may be available for those who meet certain requirements, the park district confirmed through the FAQ page. The page also confirmed that the program will be "unable to accommodate" children from outside Oswego School District 308.

"The Kid's Connection program has been designed to safely meet the needs of all participants in kindergarten through 5th grade," the statement continued. "The Oswegoland Park District follows the IDPH guidelines as set forth by the State of Illinois to ensure the safety of our participants and staff."

The park district release also confirmed that participants will be provided with a learning station, with tables spaced six feet apart. A separate "quiet space" will be made available for interactive virtual learning, including video conferencing with teachers.

"Your child will be supported in remote learning by SD308 staff who will assist participants in connecting to classroom meetings and help them stay on task to complete daily assignments. Kid's Connection staff will provide support and recreational activities."

Time will be allocated for assigned schoolwork "based upon the educational goals of SD308 and your child's schedule," the statement continued.

"Daily schedules will be centered around assigned learning, with structured breaks throughout each day for meals and indoor/outdoor recreational enrichment activities, which are critical to maintaining academic focus and healthy habits."

Breakfast, lunch, and a snack will be provided through Aramark Food Service at no additional cost to parents, according to the park district, though parents may send a lunch from home in place of the food service if they so choose.

The Frequently Asked Questions page also provided information for parents of students with special needs or Individualized Education Plans.

"The Park District works with FVSRA on inclusion support for children with special needs in recreation programs before and after school, however the Park District is not qualified to fulfill IEP requirements," the page read. "Please communicate any specific accommodations needed at the time of enrollment.

"We encourage you to contact SD308 prior to enrolling if your child needs support during the remote learning time."

On district institute days, or days when there is no remote learning, "Full day recreational programming" will be offered through Kid's Connection, with the cost to those days also set at $39. Registration will be made available online.

Registration for Kid's Connection opens at noon, Monday, Aug. 17. Those looking to sign up can visit the Oswegoland Park District website or call 630-554-1010.