Free before- and after-school child care for Harrison School District 2 families already has over 1,000 students enrolled

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - A new child care program for a southern Colorado school district already has over 1,000 students enrolled.

11 News spoke with Harrison School District 2 about their free before- and after-school program. The district conducted a “needs assessment” from their parents in the Spring, with an overwhelming response being affordable and quality child care.

“We are high-need school district. Our families represent hardworking people that are trying to just make it through this pandemic and it’s exciting to see that we can offer the support for them,” said Angie Outlaw of D-2.

D-2 kindergarten to fifth graders can show up to 14 locations in the district five days a week. The program began in August and already has about 1,012 students enrolled.

“This free before- and after-school care has allowed them to keep more of the money their making and not have to spend it on child care,” said Outlaw.

Students can get help with their homework, play with puzzles or color, and even play active games like basketball and soccer. Over 80 new jobs were created within the district for this program.

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