Philosophy: The mission of Minneapolis Kids is to provide high quality child care services for parents during periods when students are not involved in regular school programs. The program offers a safe, nurturing, educational, and recreational experience where children are encouraged to pursue interests, develop friendships, independence, and confidence. Parent visits are welcomed and should ontact the site coordinator to set up a time for an individual orientation. Group orientation sessions are scheduled on a site-by-site basis.

Staff: Minneapolis Kids staff are skilled professionals who respect and enjoy working with children. They are required to have a combination of professional training and job experience which enables them to fully understand the developmental needs of children. Staff schedule a wide variety of well planned, carefully supervised activities which complement, without duplicating, school experiences.

Program Components:

The Before School component runs from 6:30 am to the start of the school day. It is a relaxed, informal time, balancing self-directed and structured play along with socialization skills.

The Kindergarten/High Five (AM or PM) component is for kindergarten or High Five children. This component runs from the beginning of the regular school day until the beginning of afternoon kindergarten or the end of morning kindergarten until the end of the school day. Children may bring a bag lunch or purchase a school lunch. Lunch is not included in the fee.

Programming includes staff directed and child initiated activities, opportunities for physical exercise, lunch with peers, and rest time. Activities are designed to complement the school day and provide school readiness activities.

The After School component runs from the end of the school day until 6:00 p.m. This is a time for children to relax, have a snack and socialize. A variety of stimulating projects, enrichment activities and exercise are offered. Snack is included in the program fee.

On School Release Days, enrollment is optional and on a first-come, first-served basis. Field trips are often planned on release days. A signed permission slip is required for each trip. Children must be registered for the day at least two weeks in advance or a $5.00 per day late fee will be assessed. Minneapolis Public Schools does not provide bus transportation for students on school release days or winter, spring and summer breaks. Parents must provide a bag lunch and beverage, unless otherwise noted.

Important Information:

• Minneapolis Kids serves children ages 5-12 or High Five/Kindergarten through 6th Grade.
• Children must be toilet trained.
• To enroll, completed registration materials, plus the registration fee and 10 days tuition must be submitted prior to the child’s starting date.
• Enrollment in Minneapolis Kids program does not ensure a child of enrollment in any school.
• The parent is responsible for arranging transportation between the student’s home school and the Minneapolis Kids location.
• Minneapolis Kids sites or components may be closed due to low enrollment. In this event, parents will be given a two week notice.

Program Fees: Effective August 30, 2010 Fees are determined by your child's elementary start time. You may enroll in one, two or three components.

• Before School (Mon-Fri, 6:30-8:05 am) - $6.55/day
• Before School (Mon-Fri, 6:30-8:40 am or 9:40 am) - $10.30/day
• High Five/Kindergarten (Mon-Fri, am or pm) - $15.45/day
• After School (Mon-Fri, 1:45 or 2:20-6 pm) - $15.55/day
• After School (Mon-Fri, 3:00-6:00 pm) - $11.80/day
• Release Day Care (Full-day care for days when school is not in session, 6:30 am – 6:00 pm) - $38.25