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After-school programs adjust as the beginning of the school year gets closer

Posted at 7:25 PM, Aug 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-11 20:25:31-04

After-school programs across Brazos County will be available this school year for any family needing help.

The 2020 school year is forcing parents to make tough decisions. For those sending their children back for in-person instruction, the option for after-school programs is important.

“There is absolutely a need in our community here at my location and other locations around town,” said Heather Choate, cooOwner of Dual After School Program.

This year, the program will look different as staff will be following CDC guidelines to ensure a safe environment for their students this year.

“Temperature checks, hand washing, sneeze guards in some of our classrooms and then social distancing and just making sure we are operating in a fun and safe but socially distanced and COVID safe facility,” explained Choate.

Dual After School Program currently has a waiting list, but Bryan ISD is facing extreme lows when it comes to attendance for their after-school program.

“[We] finished the school year out at 665, and as we speak today, I am at 230 across the board, around 14 locations,” said Teelah Rhodes-Hopkins, AlphaBest District Manager.

While Bryan ISD’s after-school program could be seeing low numbers due to fewer students returning for in-person instruction, Dual has also implemented a day program that will assist parents who chose virtual learning

“We are offering a day program from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. The schedule will mimic basically a mini school day. We will help them with their online assignments, we will provide a snack and we will also have activity time,” said Choate.

After school programs say they will continue to be flexible for parents during this unique school year