A parent's work hours and a child's school hours don't always mesh which can make scheduling tough for working parents.
Kids & Company in Council Bluffs aims to help with that. The program is administered by the CB Community Education Foundation.
The before and after school care is offered at 10 of the 11 elementary schools in Council Bluffs. Parents can drop off their children starting at 6:15 a.m., and they'll receive care until school starts. After school care is available until 6 p.m. They also have care over the summer at Hoover Elementary.
Billie Hadeen uses the program for her daughter. She likes the flexibility it gives parents, "we have the luxury to be able to leave and not have to rush, rush, rush to hurry up and pick them up."
The program aims to be affordable too. It costs $6.50/unit which could be a before or after school session. If you use it before and after school each day it totals $65/week.
Greg Smith is the program director at Kids & Company. He says it's not just about play. They aim to teach and enrich students too.
"My belief is we should be way more than just kick ball, and so we try to offer a well-rounded curriculum: arts and crafts, music and movement, science and nature, service learning and cultural awareness," Smith said.
Heather Linsenmeyer is a working, single mom. Her son has autism and spends time at Kids & Company. She says it's wonderful that students are able to take part in activities instead of sitting at home playing video games. She said, "I love Kids & Company. I recommend it for anybody."
