Saugus school program ‘Kids Come First’ reducing rates

SAUGUS – The downturn in the economy has hit all facets of life including, it seems, school related programs.The before and after school program, “Kids Come First” is reducing its rates in an effort to assist parents but also because its enrollment is down.Director Janis Long said she is lowering the rates to try and entice parents to send their children to the program that offers a variety of enrichment activities. Superintendent Richard Langlois, however, told the School Committee during a recent meeting that the action was in response to an operating deficit. He also said Long would cut the staff in half until enrollment numbers increase.The Kids Come First Program offers before and after school care for students in grades K-5 and caters to all of the district’s elementary schools though it is located in the Veterans School. According to Long it provides homework help, arts and crafts, gym time, computer time, group games and other enrichment activities.The hours are 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for morning sessions and 2:40 to 6 p.m. for the afternoon sessions. It also operates on the school schedule so there is no coverage on holidays, vacation days or snow days or if school is canceled for any other reason.The morning session rates have dropped from $15 to $10 per session per child with $10 per session for a sibling. The afternoon rates have been reduced to $20 from $25 with an additional $15 per sibling. Parents taking advantage of both sessions will pay $25 per day rather than $33 and $20 per sibling.Long said there are openings for both morning and afternoon sessions and for more information contact her at 781-231-8166 ext. 3006.