Frequently Asked Questions

SUMMER QUESTIONS

My child is entering kindergarten in the fall.  Can they attend the summer program?  No, they must be in kindergarten to ride the bus.  We also take several field trips each week and stay incredibly active.  The program is designed for Elementary age children.  The Pre-K center has a program for those that have not started Kindergarten.

Can I choose different three or two days options other than MWF or T/TH.  No. Since we typically have a waiting list, this allows for more children to be placed in the program.

What pool do you go to?  For the summer of 2025 we are now going to the Parker Park Pool.

My child cannot swim.  Can someone stay with them and they not go to the pool?  No, all staff goes on the field trips for the safety and well being of the children. They do have a large kiddie area and your child can bring floaties or a life jacket.  

How are children transported for field trips?  On JPS buses with JPS bus drivers.

Does the weekly tuition cover all field trips costs?  Yes

What time can I drop my child off?  On field trip days it is best between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.  Or after 12:15 p.m. if your child has another morning activity and we are on a field trip.

My child does not need all the weeks offered.  Can I only send on the weeks they need care? No, each week must be paid for with the exception of one week to allow vacation time.

What does my child need to bring each day?  A water bottle is useful, but do not have to.  We have water fountains.  Changes of clothing for water days, a towel, sunscreen( if wanted), and a bag for wet items.  Please label all these items, we try and teach the children to keep up with their items, but sometimes things get left behind and would like to make sure it gets returned.  

Can I send lunch with my child?  Yes.  Please keep in mind we a nut free facility.  

My child takes daily medication, can that be given while there?  Yes, but we do not have a nurse on site.  The director or a supervisor will give your child the medication.  The medication is kept in a safe and given according to the directions on the prescribed bottle.  There is a form that will need to be filled out.  Inhalers and epi pens can be kept in the lead teacher's backpack to be on hand at a moment's notice if needed.

Why does the summer program not start until several days after school is let out and closed sooner than the new school year starts?  We use classrooms and most of the school building.  We need a couple of days to prep our areas for the summer and the teachers and staff return a week to 10 days prior to the new school year.

General Questions

Do you accept vouchers?  No

How do I get a username and password if my child has not attended before?  Use the new student tab to register and add your child's  information.  You will create a username and password at this time.  Keep the username and password.

Why is my child on the waiting list?  Children that are currently in the program are given a brief time of early registration before it opens to JPS students.  Many of these children started the program in kindergarten and attend many years.  Allowing this early time of registering gives the children and parents stability in care.  The maximum number of children are placed based on spacing, licensing policies, and staffing.  We strive to serve as many students as possible.

When does registration open?  After school registration opens each year around the middle of July for those in the program and for  incoming kindergarteners.  For new students to the program it is around mid to end of July.  For summer registration, it will open around the first part of March for those currently in the program and around the middle to end March for those new to the program.  Our website will have exact dates prior to each registrations as the time draws closer. 

Do I need to register for an upcoming registration since my child is in the program?  Yes, family's needs change and that is the only way we are certain your child will need care.

Once my child is in the program, do I pay a registration fee each year.  Yes, each school year and summer there is a registration fee for that specific time.

Do I have to pay for the full amount of after school care if my child does not need care everyday. Yes

Is there a discount for siblings? Yes, $5 less per additional child for after school care and $10 for summer.

Can my kindergarten child ride a bus over to another site to be with their sibling? No, we are not able to transport to another site.  

If my student currently attends Cane Academy and I have forgotten my user id or password, how do I retrieve this information? email melody.french@jonesboroschools.net for help.