Dear District 65 Community,
We are writing to share an important update regarding the School Age Child Care (SACC) Optional Care and Flex Care programs. Beginning next school year, District 65 will discontinue the SACC Optional Care and Flex Care programs, which have provided child care for students on half days of school. We recognize this news is difficult and know this will have an impact on routines and planning.
This decision was not made lightly. As part of our ongoing efforts to address the District’s financial realities, we are taking a careful look at all programs and services to ensure they are sustainable over time. The Optional Care and Flex Care programs require staffing, aligned to DCFS requirements, and operational resources that are challenging to maintain given current budget constraints. While these programs have served families well, continuing them is not financially sustainable as we work to reduce costs and prioritize stable, high-quality learning environments for students.
We are committed to supporting families through this transition. There are several alternative options that will continue to be available both on-site and within the community on half days of school. These may include:
- At schools where their programming is already offered, flex care and optional care may be available through Right at School.
- McGaw YMCA offers “School’s Out” programming, which can work with families to include transportation from school. Financial assistance is available.
- The City of Evanston offers half-day camps at community centers; sign-ups are available through their seasonal activity guides.
- Many local providers offer STEM, art, athletics, and other enrichment programs on half days. Information is publicly available on the Digital Backpack once programs are added.
We will continue to share information about available programs and resources and encourage families to explore options early as you plan for next year. Our goal in sharing this information now is to provide families with as much time as possible to make arrangements that best meet their needs.
We recognize that changes to child care services can be difficult, particularly as families balance work and school schedules. These decisions are part of a broader effort to ensure the long-term financial stability of our district and the continuation of strong educational programs for students. Thank you for your understanding.
