Piedmont expands after‑school capacity and pilots 4th–5th 'hangout' as waits ease at two sites

Katrina Morris, the recreation supervisor for childcare programs, reported that registration changes and new site partnerships substantially reduced waitlists at two schoolmates sites and created capacity across the system. She said Camp Kaleidoscope registration (which supports early‑dismissal days) opened July 9 with 80 spaces and that schoolmates registration began July 30.

To expand capacity and better serve older elementary students, staff piloted a 'hangout' program for 4th and 5th graders in partnership with Piedmont Community Church: Monday–Friday 3–5 p.m. (2 p.m. start on Wednesdays for early release), with 20–30 spaces to reduce on‑site pressure and provide homework/help and social time off campus. Morris said the pilot opened enough spaces that "for the first time in, like, forever, there is no wait list at Havens or Wildwood for that block booking."

Morris acknowledged Beach still had a residual wait list tied primarily to staffing; she said five staff from last year did not return and that the department is actively recruiting via job postings, job fairs and high‑school outreach. Commissioners requested follow‑up data: a breakdown next month of which schools students in the hangout are coming from and a regular report on ratios and daily attendance patterns.

In public comment, Brooke Wall (BPO president) and Stacy Carroll (parent leader) praised the city program’s affordability and noted heavy parent demand. Wall said the legal ratio is about 14:1 but claimed that at times the program had run as high as 23:1; she urged continued attention to staffing, legal ratios and program safety. Staff said they are rebuilding teams and will return with requested metrics.