After care options for TK at Malcolm X
Our daughter was assigned to Malcom X and we immediately registered her for the LEARNS after school program. We recently found out that we've been waitlisted. They said they are "really trying to get her in." However, they won't tell us where she is on the wait list until August, so it's hard to know how likely or unlikely it is that they'll find her a spot. After calling around to other after school care providers that offer transportation from Malcom X, we have been told by all providers that they are full and waitlist enrollment doesn't start for several weeks. Does anyone have any insights into the process at Malcom X or advice for finding an alternative after care program? I feel a bit like we're just hitting brick walls every place we look.
Thanks!
Parent Replies
I'm sorry that you have been going through this frustration. We are in the same situation -- my incoming Kindergartener is wait listed for LEARNS at Malcolm X even though we got our application in on the first day. I had tried to talk to the MX coordinator but she is apparently out until Aug 14. I have had better luck reaching out to Aaron Jorgensen who is the LEARNS supervisor for all the Berkeley schools. He acknowledges the need to add another K group (an additional instructor so they can accommodate more kids and meet required ratios). The Board needs to approve it but Aaron is pretty confident it will be approved. This would mean that a bunch of spaces open up. I am surprised you are not able to find out your spot on the wait list. Aaron told us over the phone -- try calling him (his number is on the LEARNS website). It seems to be poorly organized which is super frustrating, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works out.
For aftercare, you should check out New School. Their website doesn't reflect it that well, but they have an amazing after-school program for school age kids. It's $500/month (compared with BUSD's LEARNS at $450/month) and much higher quality, from what I've seen. The BUSD school bus drops the kids off there, so you don't have to worry about transportation to another school site. Just in case it's not on your radar: http://www.newschoolberkeley.org/Also the JCC in North Oakland has aftercare and picks up the kids from MX.