Mahoosuc Kids Assoc. - Woodstock Elem.

Mahoosuc Kids Association (MKA) is an non-profit organization under IRS code 501(c)3. MKA offers before and after-school child care and enrichment programs for students in grades K-12 in the MSAD #44 school district. MKA programs are offered daily while school is in session and offers an eight week Summer Adventure Program for students that will be entering Kindergarten to children entering the 6th grade. MKA programs are licensed by the Department of Human Services and are located at Crescent Park School in Bethel, Woodstock Elementary School in Bryant Pond, Telstar Middle School in Bethel, and Telstar High School in Bethel.

MKA's program provides planned and supervised activities designed to meet the individual educational, social and recreational needs of each child. This unique program has been developed to enhance the child’s existing skills while introducing and encouraging new interest areas. The program will provide an environment for children to learn about themselves, others and the world around them. A variety of methods will be utilized, including learning programs, planned large group games, small “Club” or special interest groups and community resources. Many activity opportunities will be available to each child daily. Activities will be offered on a rotating basis and will give children a chance to choose based on ones own skills and interests. Programs will involve active and quiet activities which will give children an opportunity to socialize and work on cooperation and problem solving skills. Other activities will allow children to learn and practice skills in creating projects to take home. In additon, other programs will focus on activities that reinforce children’s academic skills. Time will also be provided each day for assistance with homework and for unscheduled leisure time.

MKA's Summer Adventure Program (SAP) serves children who are entering grades K-6th grade. SAP offers a variety fun and exciting activities and outings. Activities include weekly themes, arts, crafts, environmental education, enrichment programs, swimming, field trips, golfing and hiking. The safety and well being of all children in the program is of greatest importance. For any field trip or activity that is not within normal programming, permission forms will be provided and must be signed by parents. Guidelines for behavior will be developed with the children and enforced in positive ways, which encourage children in their development of self-discipline. Positive reinforcement methods will also be used in order to help children develop positive patterns of behavior with other children and adults in the program. From time to time parents may be called upon to participate in a disciplinary partnership to resolve special situations. For health and safety reasons, in order to be accepted into and continue in the program, all children must be fully toilet trained, be able to attend to their own personal hygiene and have the ability to participate fully in a program that is informal and unstructured. If the MKA staff determines that a child does not appear to have the physical or developmental abilities to participate in the program, the staff will bring such concerns to the attention of the parents for further discussion regarding whether the child can remain in the program. If it is determined by the program staff that a child is unable to benefit from the program or that the participation of any child for any reason would pose a threat to the health and safety of that child or other children, the parents will be asked to withdraw that child from the program.

Additional Information: Quality Rating - Step 2;