Parent Information Guide - Prince George's County Public School ...

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OFFERINGSWhat is the Before and After School Extended LearningProgram?The Before and After School Extended Learning Program offersschool-based enrichment programs for elementary school studentsbefore and after regular school hours. This program is designedto enhance the children’s social, cultural, educational, and physicaldevelopment, as well as meet the needs of parents by offering asafe, accessible, and affordable school-based program.What hours is the program available?The hours of the program depend on the hours of the school thathosts the program. The program is open from 7:00 a.m. to thebeginning of the regular school day; and, from the end of the schoolday until 6:00 p.m.What does the program offer?The goal of the Prince George’s County Public School System is toprovide a safe, enriching environment for Prince George’s Countyelementary school students. The selected curriculum materials inreading and mathematics used after school augment the regularschool program.Activities may vary according to the interests of children, staff, andthe community. However, a wide range of activities are providedin each program. Children are given opportunities to participate inart, cooking projects, drama, music activities, and play with gamesand manipulatives. Additionally, students can play sports, groupgames, computer activities, relax, begin homework assignments,and socialize in an atmosphere that supports their developmentalneeds. A daily snack is provided.Are the programs licensed?Yes, our programs are licensed by Maryland State Department ofEducation, Office of Child Care and frequently exceed the Staterequirements. Each program has a designated enrollment capacitybased on the space assigned for program use.How do I enroll?Parents must enroll on-site at their child’s assigned school. Formsfor registration are obtained from the program’s site coordinator.Parents must complete all forms required by the licensing agencyand PGCPS – including the Registration and Terms of AgreementForms, Health Inventory and an Emergency Information Card.How much does the program cost?This program is mandated to be self-supporting; therefore, a perstudent, tuition fee is charged each school term. Department ofSocial Services vouchers are accepted.The current tuition fee is $3,000; payable in bi-weekly installmentsof $145.00.What is ESOL?ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) is a program toteach your child English.Why does my child need to be in ESOL?Your child has taken a language assessment that determined he/she is eligible for ESOL services. That means that your child willreceive extra help with English during the regular school day at hisor her school. Your child will be in a regular class and meet with anESOL teacher a few times a week. If your child is in middle or highschool, ESOL will be one of his/her classes.My child only speaks English. Why was he/she tested?When you registered your child in the school system, you filled out ablue registration form. On that form, you were asked if a languageother than English is spoken at home. If the answer to that questionwas yes, the law requires us to assess the language proficiency ofyour child.How long will my child have to be in ESOL?A child will receive ESOL services until he/she tests independenton the language assessment test given every April. The parent willreceive letters every year to inform ofthe child’s progress.My child is not enrolled in an ESOL class. Why does my childhave to take the Language Proficiency Test this April?In order to exit from the ESOL program, the ESOL students mustpast the annual English language assessment. If an ESOL studenthas completed the ESOL course sequence, with the last classbeing ESOL 3, the student will be registered for mainstream Englishclasses for the rest of his/her school career. However, until thestudent passes the annual English assessment, he/she will remainenrolled in the ESOL program.What if I do not want my child to receive ESOL services?A parent has the right to refuse ESOL services. That means thatyour child will not receive any ESOL instruction. However, thatdoes not exempt your child from language assessment testing oraccommodations in the classroom.54