Brandon Parents Face More Costly Options if County Cuts After-School Program

Parents, teachers and more than few county workers will be watching tomorrow, Aug. 24, when political leaders decide the fate of the county’s after-school program.

Although proponents of the program are hoping for a compromise that will retain after-school care at county recreation centers, the outcome of the vote is uncertain.

The county’s after-school program serves 1,800 children.  Depending on income, the program costs parents $30-48 and runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It is open from 1:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Those parents have plenty of options for after-school care if the program is eliminated, according to county staff who cite the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club and private aftercare businesses as some of the options.

A quick review of possible alternatives in Brandon shows, however, that price and programming vary greatly:

• HOST - Hillsborough County Public Schools Out-of-School Time Program. Cost: $48 weekly, with $30 annual family registration fee. Where: At participating local schools. Hours: 2-6 p.m. Eligibility: Kindergarten through eighth grade. (Note: There are no HOST programs at Mann or McLane middle schools.)
• Brandon Family YMCA - No after-school care. Classes in dance, youth sports and gymnastics offered. Classes are one day a week. Cost: Starting at $60 for one-time registration and $60 monthly for once a week classes. Cost can be lower depending on income. Where: 3097 South Kingsway Road, Seffner. Hours: 2-6 p.m. Eligibility: Kindergarten through high school. Pickup From School: No.
• Post Sunshine Ranch - Where: 1350 John Moore Road, Brandon. Cost: $80 Weekly. Registration fee $75 ($25 off coupon on website.) Hours: 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Eligibility: Kindergarten through fifth grade. Transportation: Pick-ups from some schools.
• La Petite Academy - Where: 606 East Windhorst Road. Cost:  $95 weekly. Hours: 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Eligibility: Elementary to middle schools. Transportation: Pick-ups from elementary schools.
• Simmons Achievement Center - Where: 107 East Clay Ave. Cost:  $74 weekly. Hours: 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Eligibility: Elementary to 11 years old. Transportation: Picks up from elementary schools.
• Children’s Academy - Where: 506 Limona Road. Cost:  $82 weekly. Hours: 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Eligibility: Elementary schools age children. Transportation: Pick-ups from some schools.
• Brandon Day School - Where: 202 Pauls Drive. Cost: $85 weekly; $50 registration fee. Hours: 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Eligibility: Ages 2-12. Transportation: Pick-ups from some schools.
• Heaven Sent Day Care Center - Where: 202 Pauls Drive. Cost: $70. Hours: 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Eligibility: Elementary school age. Transportation: Pick-ups from Kingswood Elementary.
• Jewell’s Family Childcare - Where: 1321 Foxboro Drive. Cost:  $70. Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Eligibility: Elementary school age. Transportation: Pick-ups from some schools.
• - Where: 722 Lithia Pinecrest Road. Cost:  $50. Hours: 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Eligibility: Elementary school age. Transportation: Pick-ups from some schools.