BAM afterschool options
My son is starting K in August at BAM (even though we live two blocks from Rosa Parks), and I'm already wildly frustrated with the afterschool/before school situation. Are there any current parents who can comment on the BAM afterschool programs? What do the children do and where do they spend their time? Are the K kids with the rest of the kids? Who are the adults? What about before school care?
Also, are there any other solo parents out there? People keep asking me if I'm excited about K but really it's turning into a scheduling nightmare. The only bus home is right after school at 2:35 so I will have to figure out how to pick my child up later, across town from where we live and I work. Clearly the BUSD is not set up to support solo parents or people without cars.
Parent Replies
Yes, after preschool kindergarten (and the rest of elementary school) are a scheduling nightmare. Our kids are at BAM and we are very happy there. After care is run by the district, the kindergarteners are kept separate and the care givers are lovely. So is the man who runs the program. All that being said, I really think you should push to have your child placed at Rosa Parks. I'm not experienced at this, so hopefully others can give tips, but what you are describing sounds completely unsustainable and very stressful. In general I support the BUSD lottery system - it has many benefits for the community - but in your situation (single parent, no car) I think you should absolutely be placed at a school within walking distance of your home. Crossing my fingers for you!
Hey one option could be NEW school of Berkeley. Its just down the street from BAM. They pick up the kids from BAM. My boy goes to the aftercare there. and absolutely love it!
Sindu