The Hillsborough Public Schools meet the needs of township families, and add revenue to the school district, through the Children at Play (CAP) Program.
CAP is a tuition-based, thematic play-based kindergarten extension program, which provides children with a full school day beyond the half-day kindergarten program. For $609 per month, parents may enroll their child in CAP at each of the six elementary schools. Each school has one CAP classroom. CAP students are automatically assigned to the morning kindergarten program; they then have lunch and recess, and return to the same classroom for the CAP portion of their day, with the same teacher.
Play is the fundamental element of the program. Opportunities for intentional social expansion, through interaction, imagination, oral language development and other activities are primary components. A team of district kindergarten teachers developed thematic units that are the foundation of the program. CAP students also receive three additional specials, such as art, music, library, world languages or gym, during a six-day cycle. The program is supervised by the building principal.
The district limits each CAP classroom to 22 students. Parents may enter the CAP lottery during kindergarten registration. For some schools, a lottery is not needed, so students may continue to register throughout the year as long as space is available in the morning kindergarten session.
Factoring in the cost of a half-time teacher, $1,000 per year for supplies for each classroom, and a few additional expenses, the Hillsborough district will realize a surplus of approximately $265,000 in 2014-15, based on tuition.
Information
Contact: Dr. Lisa Antunes, assistant superintendent, [email protected]
Online: www.htps.us/CAP
Submitted by school district.