Experience replacing public school aftercare provider?
A group of parents at my children's public elementary school in Oakland would like to advocate to replace our school's after-school childcare provider. But we are at the very beginning and are not sure what our options for other large-group care providers are and not sure how best to navigate the situation. I have vague memories of reading about another OUSD school that went through a similar process in recent years (was it Joaquin Miller?) If you have been through this process and might have any wisdom or advice to share about it, can you share or get in touch with me offline? Thanks in advance!
May 28, 2018
Parent Replies
Work with your principal and reach out to the OUSD team that coordinates aftercare programs. They can give you more information about how to proceed. Joaquin Miller did move to a JCC-run on-site program relatively recently, as did Cleveland, so you could also reach out to parents at those schools to see if there's any institutional memory of the process. Also know that it will be somewhat different if your current program is funded or subsidized by federal afterschool funds vs. fully paid by parents. There are only a few providers in the area that are equipped to take on a schoolwide program, so your alternatives may be somewhat limited. You might also see if there is potential to work with the current provider to adapt the program if there are specific things parents don't like about it or would like to have offered.