Afterschool childcare FAQ

🎓 FGIS After-School Care & School Transition Update — Q&A Summary English

From PTA Meeting: April 10, 2025

This summary captures key updates, questions, and concerns from the latest PTA meeting regarding after-school care, program equity, community enrichment, and the transition to the new Fiesta Gardens location. This is intended for families who could not attend and to provide a clear record of what was discussed.

,🧒 After-School Care: Overview

Q: What programs are available for after-school care next year?
A: Two programs will be offered:

• Boys and Girls Club (free for qualifying families under Free & Reduced Lunch and academic criteria)

• Annex (fee-based, district-run program)
  
  

Q: What about morning care?
A: Morning care will be available through Annex. It may also be free for families who qualify under a separate program. This detail is still being reviewed and worked out.

Q: How will I know if I qualify for the Boys and Girls Club?
A: Families do not need to apply directly. Those who qualify based on income (Free and Reduced Lunch) and academic criteria under ELOP will be contacted and offered a spot.

Q: What if I already registered for Annex but may qualify for Boys and Girls Club?
A: The district will evaluate all registrants. If your family qualifies for Boys and Girls Club under ELOP, you will be offered a spot.

Q: Will scholarships be available for Annex?
A: Yes, scholarships will be offered for some families who don’t qualify for ELOP but still need financial assistance. Details are being worked out.

💰 Cost, Discounts & Part-Time Options

Q: How much does Annex cost?

• TK/K Before October Break: ~$1,040/month

• TK/K After October Break: ~$865/month

• Grades 1–5 Full-Time: ~$865/month

• Part-Time Rates:

  • $175/day (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri)

  • $200/day (Wednesdays due to early release)

  • Example: Tue + Thu = ~$350/month
    
    

Q: Will YMCA discounts be honored?
A: Yes, for current YMCA families. If you provide proof of membership discounts or sibling discounts, Annex will match the percentage.
➡️ Note: These matched discounts will not be available to new families. It’s undecided whether they’ll continue beyond next year.

Q: Will part-time options be available year-round?
A: Yes, and families can switch between part-time and full-time during the year, though the logistics of switching are still being clarified.

📊 Program Quality & Ratios

Q: What is the adult-to-child ratio?

• Annex: 17:1 across all grades

• Boys and Girls Club: Estimated 20:1 (not yet confirmed)

• YMCA & other providers: Historically had lower ratios (some closer to 10:1 or 12:1) and this is concerning to some families.
  
  

Q: How is Annex organized to support different grade levels and needs?
A: Annex groups students (e.g., K–2 and 3–5) and provides structured time for:

• Homework

• Grade-level enrichment activities

• Outdoor/free play

• Support from high school helpers (not included in the official ratio)
  
  

Q: Will Boys and Girls Club staff be trained in the district curriculum like Annex staff?
A: Yes. Boys and Girls Club staff support summer school and receive training in programs like ST Math, i-Ready, and Second Step. They will be prepared to support a similar program as Annex.

⚖️ Equity, Access & Concerns

Q: Will socio-economic separation exist between kids in Annex and Boys and Girls Club?
A: This is a concern raised by families. Because only some qualify for Boys and Girls Club, and Annex is a paid program, families worry this could unintentionally separate students by income. The district acknowledged this concern and said scholarships may improve diversity within Annex. It is a known imperfection of the program.

Q: Why can’t Boys and Girls Club offer a paid option for families wanting to join?
A: Boys and Girls Club does not accept payment from families. It is a grant-funded, no-cost program for eligible students only.

Q: Why is Annex more expensive than YMCA or other providers?
A: Annex fees cover the cost of staffing, wages, benefits, and retirement. The 17:1 ratio is part of a union-negotiated agreement and cannot be changed.

🏫 Enrichment & Community School Programs

Q: What other after-school programs will be offered next year?
A: Through the community school initiative, programs currently include:

• Science

• Theater

• Music

• Soccer

• Volleyball

Next year’s offerings will be determined by the FGIS Community Schools Steering Committee. 

Q: When will we know what programs are offered and when?
A: The Community School Steering Committee is meeting Monday, April 14, to select programs and organize schedules. The offerings are seasonal and will change based on season and interest.

🔄 Program Continuity, Communication & Trust

Q: Why did the plans keep changing? Why weren’t these details clear much earlier? This planning has been going on for years, and yet changes are still happening after announcements are made. It is significantly eroding trust.
A: Many families expressed frustration about conflicting information and last-minute updates. District leaders acknowledged the confusion and explained that:

• Negotiations (e.g., staffing ratios, vendor agreements) take time

• The contract (MOU) with Boys and Girls Club is still being finalized

• District intentions are to serve more students (target: 150 next year) and a lot of care and thought has been going into how to make that possible.
  
  

Q: Why wasn’t YMCA invited to return?
A: It’s unclear. District representatives said this decision relates to staffing agreements, but the lack of clarity has led to mistrust among families.

Q: Can we have another meeting with all program leaders from Annex, Boys and Girls Club, and Superintendent Ochoa present?
A: The school is open to hosting another joint session once the Boys and Girls Club contract is finalized. Families also requested that Superintendent Ochoa attend. District representatives will look into making this happen. 

📣 Key Requests from Families

1. A central landing page with clear, updated info in English and Spanish.

2. Another meeting with all program reps and decision-makers present.

3. Clarity on discounts, part-time options, and registration deadlines.

4. More transparency on how decisions were made and how to give input.

5. Assurances around equity, program quality, and classroom integration.
   
   

✅ Community Action Items & Where to Get Info

• School Transition Page: https://fiestagardens.smfcsd.net/community/relocation-of-fiesta-gardens-campus

• For questions about Annex: rholmes@smfcsd.net

• For school-wide questions: Director Robles: drobles@smfc.k12.ca.us

• To join the Community School Steering Committee: Please express your interest to  Isabel Jimenez ijimenez@smfcsd.net