What is KinderAcademy?

What is KinderAcademy?

For years, the YMCA ran KinderTime in our schools that provided a half-day wrap-around program of learning and childcare for students in kindergarten. This means that a morning kindergarten student would stay the afternoon in KinderTime [or vise versa], and pay the YMCA for this extended care. Monroe Public Schools received no remuneration for this program under the YMCA arrangement.

This current year, Monroe Public Schools assumed management of this program for the first time, and it now goes under the name of KinderAcademy. Parents who opt to place their children in this program pay 100% of costs. The district employs 2.5 FTE certified teachers for this program which operates in all 3 of our elementary schools. These teachers are not part of the MEA, as while certification is helpful, it is not required. The district was able to hire several of its very talented non-tenured teachers who were laid off from bargaining unit positions in the district last spring during the elimination of approximately 16.5 teaching positions district-wide.

Both Fawn Hollow and Stepney have morning and afternoon programs; Monroe Elementary has an afternoon program, based on fewer students. The program goals are aligned with the kindergarten curriculum and the supportive environment provides an enriching experience for students.

There are some special education young learners [kindergarten] who require an extended day. Having this quality program on site has allowed the district to place some special education students in this program for additional learning opportunities. Since the district has incorporated this into the educational plan of these students, in these few cases, the district absorbs costs and there is no fee to families.