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Board reviews 4K wraparound childcare proposal; staff outline $40-per-day model and transportation tradeoffs
Summary
District staff proposed a school‑sponsored 4K wraparound childcare program offering before‑ and after‑care, with an estimated $40 per day fee, lead-staff credentialing, an initial Ben Franklin site, and potential transportation costs if the district provides bus service (district estimate for additional buses ~ $200,000).
Franklin Public Schools staff presented a plan to offer 4K wraparound childcare in partnership with the Recreation (Rec) department as a school‑sponsored program.
Mr. Gomez and Recreation staff described an integrated model: families would use existing 4K half‑day classroom programming and then transition to a Rec-run "kids club" or wraparound session in district facilities. Staff said the program is designed to mirror 4K classroom routines (purposeful play, movement, early‑literacy activities) and that lead staff postings will ask for early‑childhood credentials (associates in ECE or similar).
On cost, staff reported a survey-based average of about $40 per day (roughly $800/month for five-day attendance). "$40 was pretty much the average cost per day," a presenter said, describing the model and examples used in other districts.
Transportation and operations prompted multiple questions. Presenters said the district can transport children internally, but continuing to bus to outside daycares would change under the proposed model; if the district adds bus routes to support wraparound programming, staff estimate roughly four additional buses for regular service would total about $200,000 for the year (the figure was offered as an approximate planning estimate). Staff noted that many districts rely on daycare providers to handle their own transportation, while Franklin has sometimes provided it internally.
Staff emphasized that because the program would be school‑sponsored it operates under the school‑sponsored exemption (not DCF daycare licensing), yet the district intends to follow DCF‑style rules for ratios and safety. Trustees asked about capacity (presentation noted room for up to 100 at the initial site), staffing credentials, and how the program will affect existing daycare partnerships; staff said Ben Franklin is the initial site and the district will assess demand before expanding.
The board did not take final action at this meeting; staff will return with registration details, staffing plans and more precise transportation and budget projections.
