K-5 Before and After School Childcare: Kids' SAFARI
Please note: We are uncertain at this time whether state health and safety guidelines will impact the Kids' SAFARI program for the fall. As we receive guidelines from the state later in July we will provide updates. Thank you for your understanding during this time.
Kids' SAFARI is a before-and after-school childcare program for children in kindergarten through grade 5, offering enrichment opportunities designed to meet the changing needs of children and families. The program includes creative learning experiences designed to increase social interaction and lead children to discover friendship, independence and confidence.
Kids' SAFARI is fee-based and available at all Bloomington elementary schools. Kids' SAFARI accepts all students residing in or attending an elementary school in Bloomington.
During the school year, Kids' SAFARI provides programming for students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 5. During the summer, Kids' SAFARI provides full-day programming for students entering kindergarten through the completion of grade 5.
Kids' SAFARI is administered by Bloomington Community Education's Youth and Family Department.
Contact
kidssafari@isd271.org
952-681-6128
Information will be coming soon regarding fall registration.
Information regarding 2020-21 Program Fees will be posted soon.
2019-2020 Program Fees
- New student: $40.00
- Returning student: $30.00
- Family Maximum: $70.00
All rates are per day per child. All checks must be made payable to ISD #271.
Charges are generated from the online account. Payment is due in advance of service. Full payment is due whether or not your child is in attendance. No refunds or deductions are made for absences, including illness or school closures.
Consistent Schedule
Payments may be made in two equal installments, due on the 5th and the 20th of the month. Autopay is available for the entire invoice balance on the 5th of the month.
Pick Your Days
Payment for pick your days is required to be on autopay via ACH or credit card. Date of autopay is indicated on the invoice. The monthly schedule must be submitted by noon on the 20th of each month for the following month via your online account.
Drop-In
Families choosing the drop-in schedule must have a valid ACH or credit card on file. Once the site has approved for your reservation, a confirmation email will be sent and the drop-in charge will appear on your next invoice. Once the requested drop-in is approved, no refunds are available for canceling a drop-in date.
Non-School Day Due Dates and 50 Percent Credit Chart
Families choosing to enroll in the non-school day option will need to click the button below for more information.
Revised Contract Fee: $10/child
Consistent schedule changes (representing a new pattern of attendance) require a one-week written notice to our administrative office and incur a $10 charge per child, per change. Please allow one week for requests to be approved/denied.
Before School
| Consistent Schedule | Pick Your Days | Drop-in | |
| Hillcrest | $12.50 | $13.50 | $14.50 |
| All other schools | $12.00 | $13.00 | $14.00 |
After School
| Consistent Schedule | Pick Your Days | Drop-in | |
| Hillcrest | $11.50 | $12.50 | $13.50 |
| All other schools | $12.00 | $13.00 |
$14.00 |
Before and After School
| Consistent Schedule | Pick Your Days | Drop-in | |
| All schools | $24.00 | $26.00 |
$28.00 |
Non-School Days
| Early Bird | Regular | Drop-in | |
| Daily Rate | $41.00 | $45.00 |
$49.00 |
Information regarding 2020-21 will be posted soon.
Kids' SAFARI is looking for activity assistants and inclusion staff. Get paid to play and join our team.
Kids' SAFARI Summer Childcare program has been changed due to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. Our current program is as follows:
- $250 per week (regardless of days needed per week)
- June 15 - August 14 (closed July 3)
- 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Indian Mounds Elementary School
- The schedule must be completed by families in advance
- Summer meals available at Indian Mounds Elementary (Breakfast and Lunch)
Students will be in the same group all summer. Social Distancing will be encouraged.
Preschool Childcare: Early Learners Academy
Early Learners Academy is a Four Star Parent Aware rated, all-day early education program for children ages 3-5 that focuses on preparing them for kindergarten. Early Learners Academy is located within four Bloomington elementary schools: Poplar Bridge, Westwood and Normandale Hills Elementary schools and Hillcrest Community School.
Children learn language, early literacy, math, science, social studies, fine arts, health and safety, personal and physical development and technology. Instructors also use foundational manipulative math experiences and assess student's growth using the Minnesota Department of Education's "Early Childhood Indicators of Progress" state standards.
Each classroom maintains a teacher-student ratio of 1:10. No more than 20 students are admitted into each classroom.
Highly Qualified Staff
All instructors hold a teaching license in elementary education or meet the qualifications required for Licensure by the MN Dept. of Human Services.
High Parent Satisfaction
Each year, ELA conducts a parent satisfaction survey, 10 out of 10 parents say they would recommend the program to others.
We encourage families, who wish to begin an early relationship with Bloomington Public Schools, to explore this opportunity. Early Learners Academy is a 10-month program. Participants have the opportunity to join Early Camp SAFARI during the summer.
Enrollment Requirements
Each student must be three-years-old and toilet trained by Sept. 1.
Elementary School Locations and Hours
ELA is housed within four Bloomington elementary schools. All sites are open from 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Hillcrest Community School: Five-day program
- Poplar Bridge Elementary School: Five-day program
- Normandale Hills: Five-day program
- Westwood Elementary School: Two-, three-, and five-day programs
Contact
ELA@isd271.org
952-681-6128
Registration for the 2020-21 school year is open starting at 6 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Once on the registration site, select Explore All Programs, then Early Learners Academy (left side on screen, in blue). Select Registration (middle, in blue), then Create Account.
| Registration fee | $60 per child - non-refundable |
| Five-day program: all locations | $263 per week |
| Three-day program: Monday/Wednesday/Friday at Westwood only | $177 per week |
| Two-day program: Tuesday/Thursday at Westwood only | $120 per week |
Calendar
Family Handbook
Have questions regarding Early Learners Academy? Take a look at our FAQS sheet.