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ABACUS
Attleboro Before and After Childcare Unified Services

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.

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.

ABACUS partners with the Attleboro Public Schools in the Journey Towards Excellence and ensuring excellence for all students through powerful learning and constructive collaboration.

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.

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.