For your convenience, The Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley offers a wonderful alternative to traditional daycare, without the inconvenience of shuttling your child to another facility. No matter what your child care needs are, our Extended Care Program can meet them with convenience, continuity, security and flexibility – with the added benefit of the Montessori environment. The Extended Care Program also offers flexibility by allowing you to contract for the days and periods of time that fit your individual needs and schedule.
A.M. Extended for Early Drop-off
Our Morning Extended Care program is for families who need to drop off children before our scheduled 8:15 arrival time. From 7:30 to 8:30, Morning Extended Care is a peaceful transition from the morning rush at home to the exploration and discovery of the school day.
Afternoon Extended for Half Day Primary Students (Preschool) 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Our Afternoon Extended Care offers the continuity of the fine academic program your child experiences during the Half Day Program in familiar surroundings with nurturing adults who know and understand your child’s individual needs, providing a sense of security for you and your child.
After the Half Day Program has concluded, the Extended Care Program begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch. Your child will enjoy having lunch with friends while gaining practical life skills in table manners, nutrition, and tidying up.
Lunch is followed by recess at 12:00 p.m. Your child will have a half hour of outdoor playtime with friends on our park-like playground, under the watchful eye of our trained staff. When the weather is inclement, children play indoors with a variety of challenging games, puzzles and toys that stimulate the creative mind and promote social engagement.
Between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. your child will transition to a peaceful rest period.
By 2:30 the children are all awake. Students who only stay for the length of the school day will prepare for 3:00 p.m. dismissal. This dismissal takes place in the same manner as our drive-up drop-off in the morning. If they stay, they transition to After School Extended Care.
After School Extended for All Ages! 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
School-aged children enter our Extended Care after their 3:00 p.m. dismissal from class. You may choose to pick up your child in our afternoon dismissal carline, or allow your child to participate in the Extended Care program until as late as 5:30 p.m. The After School period is filled with free play outdoors (or indoors in inclement weather), a nutritious afternoon snack with friends, practicing practical life skills through care of the school environment, and special projects. Special projects are periodically scheduled, such as crafts or other projects inspired by the children’s interest, needs, and developmental stages.
Extended Care FAQ
How does the Extended Care Contract work?
Families needing regularly scheduled care will complete an Extended Care Contract, and receive a discounted rate per hour based on the number of hours contracted. A space will be reserved for your child on your scheduled days and times. Additional hours beyond your contract, or any day-to-day scheduling adjustments, require advanced notice to our office. Any addition of non-contracted AM Extended Care hours requires calling the office before 4:00 p.m. the business day before use.
What if I only need Extended Care occasionally?
Families who wish to use the program on a drop in, occasional basis may do so by calling the office at least 24 hours in advance or by 9:30 a.m. the day of the needed care to confirm space availability.
What are the Extended Care rates?
Occasional Use Rate:
- Half-Day Primary: $5.75/hour
- School- Age: $5.50/hour
Discounted Contract Rates are as follows:
- Half-Day Primary: $4.75
- School-Age: $4.50
What is the payment plan for Extended Care?
We invoice for Extended Care hours monthly and the statement is payable upon receipt. Payments are made by check, cash, or money order only—Extended Care fees are not covered by monthly ACH tuition payment plans. Fees appear on a separate statement from your tuition as weekly charges and use the last billable day of that week as the posting date.
Are contracted days or hours transferrable?
Contracted days or hours are non-transferrable. Addional days our hours will be billed at the non-contracted rate.
What if my schedule changes?
Extended care contracts will remain in effect for the school year. We understand schedules change. As a courtesy, we will extend one permanent contract change/re-instatement at no charge per school year. A $25 fee will be assessed for each additional contract change/re-instatement.
What are the pick-up times for Afternoon Extended Care?
Some parents contract for 11:30 to 12:00 only to give their child the extra half hour of socialization and practical life at lunch. You may contract from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. to include both lunch and recess with friends as a part of your child’s day. The next available pickup time is 3:00 p.m. and any half hour increment after that. We do not schedule pick-up times between 12:30 and 3:00 due to the mandatory rest period for 3- and 4-year olds, and to avoid interruption of the All Day Primary afternoon work cycle.
How late is Extended Care open?
Extended Care closes promptly at 5:30 p.m. Any late pickups will be assessed additional fees. Families are responsible for making pick-up arrangements in advance in case of emergency delays.
What does my preschooler need for Afternoon Extended Care?
Your Half Day Primary student will need an insulated lunch box, two cloth napkins each day (one to be used as a placemat) every time he or she stays for Afternoon Extended Care — easy-to-open reusable containers are highly encouraged, rather than prepackaged processed foods. Your child should bring a small pillow and small, cozy throw in a tote or bag to use during the resting period. This bedding will be sent home once a week for laundering. Please be sure to label all items. Children who are staying for the After School Program should bring an additional small snack in their lunch boxes, designated to enjoy during the transition from Afternoon Extended to After School Extended. All students require appropriate outer wear for all types of weather—particularly snow boots, snow pants, coats, hats, and gloves for snowy days.
