ABACUS
Attleboro Before and After Childcare Unified Services
History
Attleboro Public Schools established the Before/After
School Childcare in the fall of 1990. There was one location at Studley
Elementary School with eight children enrolled. The service was for
children in grades K through 4, with a staff consisting of one Lead
Provider.
ABACUS has since expanded to 5 elementary sites and 3
middle schools. The elementary programs utilize the cafeteria,
gymnasium and other rooms as needed. The combined programs have an
enrollment of over 400 children, employing a full time Coordinator,
Assistant Coordinator, and over 40 Lead and Assistant Providers.
The program is supervised by and accountable to the
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator, who report to the Superintendent of
Schools and/or their designee. The program is governed by the Attleboro
School Department. The program is self-sufficient and is funded
entirely by parent tuitions. In the event that a profit is realized,
that money will go toward program expansion and support of other school
programs. Whenever available ABACUS also utilizes grant money.
Purpose
ABACUS welcomes the opportunity to work cooperatively
with the families of Attleboro to provide a quality, affordable
childcare services to the children of working parents in our community.
Together with the schools and parents, we share
responsibility for the social, emotional, intellectual and physical
development of children as individuals and as members of society.
Vision Statement
ABACUS partners with the Attleboro Public Schools in
the Journey Towards Excellence and ensuring excellence for all students
through powerful learning and constructive collaboration.
Goals:
a. To provide secure, comprehensive
childcare for all children attending Attleboro Public Schools and/or
schools in which the student’s tuition is funded by Attleboro Public
Schools.
b. To provide a positive environment that provides daily opportunities for children to:
1. Participate in adult directed, structured activities.
2. Participate in both large and small group activities.
3. Engage in activities which are quiet and others which are active.
4. Explore a variety of enrichment materials and activities.
5. Enjoy free play.
6. Enjoy privacy, alone or with a small group of friends.
c. To promote positive self-esteem for each
child by providing a nurturing environment based upon mutual
respect and positive interactions.
d. To provide positive family-program relationships by ensuring open home program communications.
e. To meet the childcare needs of all members of the Attleboro Public School community.
f. To give guidance and direction to children in order to develop appropriate life skills.
Program Organization
This program is a Fee for Service Program which is
part of the Attleboro Public Schools and therefore is subject to all
relevant practices and procedures of the Principals, the Superintendent
of the Attleboro School System and the Attleboro School Committee (see
organizational chart). This program is regulated by, and meets all
guidelines set forth by the State of Massachusetts, Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education. The program is funded by parent
tuition payments. Program and payroll expenses are not funded by state
or local funds, however, there is always an ongoing attempt to obtain
grant money to be used for program expansion and tuition subsidy.
The Coordinator oversees the operations and practices
and procedures of the program. The Assistant Coordinator is available
when the Coordinator is absent. Each site has a childcare Site Manager
is responsible for the supervision of the daily operation of the program
at each site. Caregivers will be staffed to maintain a 1 to 13 ratio
for ages 6-12 and a 1 to 10 ratio for age 5.
ABACUS operates under the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education (DESE) and is subject to all regulations by them.
Therefore, if a student is absent from school he/she is not permitted
to attend ABACUS that day.