Elgin Kids Club program offers new option for e-learners

With Elgin Area School District U-46 elementary students preparing for hybrid learning to start next week, Elgin's Parks and Recreation Department is continuing its Kids Club program for the second half of the school year, now with a three-day-per-week enrollment option.

The program provides students with supervised learning during school hours and after-school activities at The Centre of Elgin. Participating children will receive help completing remote learning assignments and projects, followed by rock climbing, small group games, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and more.

"We are here to help parents in need of structured child care during this unique school year," said Recreation Supervisor for Youth and Teens Rachel Jachowske. "Kids Club offers an option that ensures children are successful with their e-learning in a safe environment and have time to socialize as well."

The program, which follows the U-46 schedule for remote and hybrid learning, is offered 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for children in grades 1 through 6. Sessions cost $200 per week for a five-day schedule and $135 for a three-day schedule. Multiple child discounts are available.

The Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund will be available to subsidize the resident fee on the program for eligible families needing financial assistance. More information on scholarships can be found at cityofelgin.org/youthfund.

The parks and recreation staff will ensure a safe environment by providing small group sizes based on age, requiring masks, and performing daily symptom checks and stringent cleaning practices.

Jachowske said the program has been running since fall to help kids dealing with e-learning.

"With small group sizes, we are able to really work one on one with the children and ensure that they are successful in their e-learning," she said. "It's been rewarding to see how the children have adapted to the changes of the school year and have really excelled in their e-learning.

"The program also gives them the opportunity to socialize with each other, which I think is very important right now."

Registration for the program can be done online at cityofelgin.org/register or by phone at (847) 531-7017.