Childcare can be difficult for working parents, especially during the summer and long holiday breaks. Daily drop-off and pickup routines. Professional development days. Summer camps and activities. Meeting the everyday scheduling demands and unexpected challenges of a traditional school calendar — often for more than one child — is enough to make any parent shed real tears into their planner.
The 12-Month Solution
Fortunately, families in central Arkansas have access to solutions designed especially for students with working parents. Episcopal Collegiate School offers a unique, 12-month enrollment option for students in pre-K3 through fifth grade providing leading educational opportunities, year-round supervised care and a lot of fun, all in a safe, nurturing environment.
So how do they do it?
Episcopal Collegiate’s program is based on regular school days, of course, as well as a Wildcat Club after-school program, supervised activities during many school holidays and high-energy, engaging Enrichment Camp options you can sign up for in addition to its other offerings throughout the summer months. (There are literally dozens of options to choose from, with this year’s lineup including everything from Bugology and American Girl Extravaganza to Swiftie Bootcamp and the Art of Animated Movies.) Students enjoy variety and consistency with friends, fun and hands-on learning all year long.
After-Care Options
Even with a year-round school schedule, weekday pickup times can be tricky for working parents. Episcopal offers safe, engaging care until 6 p.m., perfect for many schedules. Here are some specifics on the school’s two convenient options:
Wildcat Club | pre-K3 – fifth grade
Wildcat Club is available on weekdays from school dismissal to 6 p.m., beginning on the first day of school and running through the end of the school year. Students are grouped by grade level and participate in crafts, games, dramatic play, time and space to complete homework and outside play.
Super Sessions | pre-K3 – fifth grade
Super Sessions are extracurricular classes offered throughout the school year that students can sign up for on a first-come, first-served basis. Some popular sessions include Kids Cook!, yoga, and art. Super Sessions take place after standard school hours, starting at 3:45 p.m. with ending times that vary based on activity and age.
Interested in a 12-month enrollment option for your child? Learn more on the Episcopal Collegiate School website.
Libby Conder, M. Ed., is the director of auxiliary programs for Episcopal Collegiate School.