What is K-CARE?
K-CARE is an optional fee-based child care program that is available to kindergarten–aged children during the other part of their kindergarten experience. K-CARE provides high quality, developmentally appropriate licensed childcare on-site in an enriching, safe and nurturing environment K-CARE. K-CARE is operated though Boulder Valley School’s Community School program and is licensed under the State of Colorado Department of Human Services.
What are K-CARE’s hours?
It depends on the hours at the school. In most schools K-CARE and kindergarten combine to make a full day of school with start and end times matching the school’s start and end times. Currently three buildings, Birch, Douglass and Emerald offer kindergarten as a 2 ½ day program. In those buildings K-CARE is available to the children on the days they are not in kindergarten with the start and end times aligning with the regular education day.
What time is lunch?
Daily schedules are set at the building level. You can check the website at your child's school or talk to staff at the school to learn about the schedule of your child's day. Kindergarten is a 2 hour and 45 minute program. Children eat lunch with their K-CARE class. K-CARE classes are supervised by paid adult staff.
How will my child get from K-CARE to kindergarten or kindergarten to K-CARE?
Each school has a plan for getting children from one program to the other. Whatever that plan may be, adults will always be with the children to ensure safety.
How will my child get to the afterschool program?
Each school has a plan for getting children from one program to the other. Whatever that plan may be, adults will always be with the children to ensure safety.
Will my child be in a.m. or p.m. K-CARE?
Kindergarten placement decisions are made by the school. Children are placed into K-CARE classes that run opposite of their kindergarten class. The K-CARE office plays no role in placement decisions.
Do I have to send my child to K-CARE every day or are there part time options?
It depends on the site. K-CARE can vary between buildings. Some programs are offered as full-time only. Other programs offer both full and part-time options. Part-time is limited to Tuesday-Thursday and Monday-Wednesday-Friday unless the kindergarten operates 2 ½ days rather than 5 days a week. In those buildings (Birch, Douglass, Emerald), full-time refers to the school hours that your child is not in kindergarten.
Does K-CARE offer drop-in care?
No. K-CARE does not offer drop-in care.
If my child is in a full-time only program what happens if I keep her home one or two days each week?Please talk with your child’s K-CARE teacher. Obviously the K-CARE teacher plans for children to be in attendance each day. By skipping days, your child will, most likely, miss valuable experiences; experiences that may provide continuity to the curriculum. You will be expected to pay for a full-time spot.
Since there are so many Mondays and Fridays without school is the rate higher for those enrolled on Monday/Wednesday/Friday?
No. The school calendar is used to set the rates so that the per day rate is the same whether you register for the 2 day or 3 day option.
What if our family switches schools? Can my child continue in K-CARE?
It depends. Your child would need to attend K-CARE in the new school. In some cases, K-CARE classrooms are at capacity and there would not be space for another child. Please let the K-CARE office know of your plans to move. It is best if we have 2 weeks notice.
Billing and Finance Questions
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available to those who qualify. Applications are available beginning July 20th.
How do I get a Financial Aid application?
A financial aid application will be mailed to your home by checking the box on your K-CARE Application or by calling 303-499-1125 x 227.
How long does it take to find out if I qualify for financial aid?
Once the financial aid application is received we will notify you by mail within 7-10 business days.
Do you accept CCAP (Colorado Child Care Assistance Program)?
Yes, simply let your caseworker know you’ll need K-CARE for your child.
How do I apply for CCAP (Colorado Child Care Assistance Program)?
By calling:
303-604-1043 (Boulder & Adams County Residents)
720-887-2275 (Broomfield County Residents)
303-582-5444 (Gilpin County Residents).
When are my payments due?
Payments are due the 5th of each month, September through May.
Do I pay for the days when school is not in session?
No, the monthly rate is calculated by multiplying the daily rate by the number of school days divided by 9. This enables you to pay the same rate each month September through May; no payment is due for August.
When will I receive my first invoice?
Invoices and payment options forms are mailed home early August.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept VISA, Mastercard, Money Order, Checks and Cash. Please do not mail cash.
How do I sign up for automatic payment?
Complete an Authorization Billing Form and return it to the K-CARE office no later than the 1st day of the month in which you wish to begin withdrawals. The form is automatically mailed with your first invoice.
When is the automatic payment processed?
The charge will be processed between the 5th and 10th of each month, September through May.
What if we leave the program early? Will we get a refund?
Please let your child’s K-CARE teacher or the K-CARE office know of your plans to move. It is best if we have 2 weeks notice. Unless you have paid for the entire year, you will not receive a refund.