Welcome

Welcome to the After-School Plus (A+) Program. A+ is the outcome of a joint effort of former Governor John Waihee’s Subcabinet on Early Childhood Education and Child Care (chaired by former Governor Ben Cayetano who was Lieutenant Governor at that time), the Hawaii State Board of Education and the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) in 1989. The goal of the A+ Program is to reduce the high incidence of latchkey children and provide affordable afterschool child care services to children in the public elementary schools whose parents work, attend school or are in job training programs. The program also provides a safe, secure and nurturing environment with a rich variety of activities for the children. The A+ staff appreciates your support and proudly provides a program that fits the interests and needs of children in a happy and stimulating environment. Please feel free to contact the A+ Site Coordinator at your school regarding your children’s adjustment and progress in the A+ Program

About KKS A+ Program

Kalihi Kai Elementary's A+ Program is a place where we provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment. It is a child care service from after school until 5:30 pm to children whose parents work, attend school, or are in job training programs. If you are a parent/guardian who is interested in A+ and meet the criteria of working, attending school, or are in job training programs during the hours of A+, your child(ren) are eligible to register in this program.

The program starts immediately after the close of the school day. Children report to the base site for the A+ Program at their school. In general, during the first 30 minutes or so, children check in and are given time for free play/snack. After free play/snack, children participate in enrichment, physical development/ coordination activities and are given time to complete homework. Enrichment includes activities such as arts, crafts, drama, music and dance. Physical development/coordination activities include physical fitness activities such as aerobic exercise; sports including those that use balls, rackets, and other equipment; and games that may involve running, jumping, or other movement. Character development themes may be introduced to children in large group settings. There may also be presentations such as crime protection, drug abuse and prevention, pedestrian safety as community resources are available. The A+ Program is not an extension of the regular school day. While some structure is necessary for order and control, activities will be offered in a comparatively informal setting where children are given the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities. Children will be encouraged to use after-school time to complete homework assignments. While the program is operated by the HIDOE and not required to be licensed, State licensing standards were used as a guide in designing the program. The use of HIDOE facilities means that building and safety standards are met. Staff will be hired at each site so that the 20 to 1 children to staff ratio required for licensing is not exceeded. New employees will be subject to criminal history checks, and will receive both pre-service and in-service training. The A+ Program will provide an array of stimulating, enriching and enjoyable activities designed to engage children’s interests and keep them active both mentally and physically.

Program Goals

• To provide after-school supervision for children in a stimulating and caring environment.

• To reduce the number of latchkey children. 

• To enhance the relationship between home and school in collaboratively meeting the needs of children.

• To improve the physical fitness of children.

Program Fees

Fees/Payments 

A+ fees are charged on a monthly basis and will be paid on or postmarked before the first school day of each month. Cash will be accepted, however, checks are preferred. Checks should be made payable to the school, "A+ Program - Kalihi Kai Elementary School". Payments made in person must be delivered directly to the A+ Site Coordinator by the parent/legal guardian or dropped in the A+ drop bin located in the front office. Cash should not be sent to school with children or by mail. Original receipts of payment will be issued and sent home with children to their parent/legal guardian. There will be no provisions for refunds once payment is made. A $25.00 service charge will be charged for all returned checks. 

Late Payments 

A $5.00 late charge shall be imposed per family for each school day a payment is overdue.

Late Pick-Ups

If for any reason the child cannot be picked up by the time the program closes, the parent/legal guardian should contact one of the designees previously authorized by them for pick-up of their child. If the child is not picked up within 15 minutes after closing, the A+ Site Coordinator will try to contact the child’s parent/legal guardian first then other adults authorized to pick up the child. Children will only be released to authorized adults. In the event that parent/legal guardian cannot be reached the A+ Site Coordinator will contact the police for follow up. There will be a late fee assessed for children who are picked up 5 minutes past the assigned pick-up time. The late fee is $15 for the first 5 minutes and $1 a minute thereafter. This fee will be charged to cover the cost of additional employees needed for this service. Repeated late pick-ups may result in the removal of the student from the program, with no refund.