After a day of learning, elementary students need to release some energy but they often have homework to do, too.
Russellville Elementary School added a before and after school care program this semester to provide a safe place for students to do that in between parent schedules and school hours.
"It has been fantastic for us," said Shannon Hackett. "It gives us a little more flexibility in the afternoons, so if we had to work a little later than normal, we know our kids are okay and we don't have to rush home."
Gail Cartee brings a large bag of games and school supplies with her into the cafeteria to help keep up to a dozen students occupied after school until 5:30 p.m. Zach Bryant, a paraprofessional and cross country coach, is there in the morning from 6:30-7:30 a.m.
Cartee's first order of business is to serve the healthy snack left by the kitchen staff. Then, it's down to homework - though the boys often have more energy to burn and have a hard time sitting still.
After that, it's games inside when the weather doesn't allow them to go to the playground.
"Kids need time to unwind, to unleash their imagination," Cartee said.
Cartee has watched teacher's children and has enjoyed keeping children in her home over the years.
"I thought this was a good idea," she said when she saw the announcement in the school newsletter. "It's hard for parents to get to work on time and drop off their kids.
"There's a need for it."
An enrollment form and handbook are available on the school website.
Cartee said feedback has suggested more parents will take advantage of the before and after school care program next year. Since many parents have their system established for this year, Cartee said she is grateful for a lower number to figure out the best practices for the new program.
Occasionally, A+ students will help out to earn their tutoring hours.
"We hope that the program continues next year and more people take advantage of this wonderful program," said Hackett, mother of a third grader and kindergartner.
Jenifer Seaver's boys had been riding the bus to an in-home daycare, mostly of younger children, after school. She said she is excited that she can drop off the boys at school before work and pick them up at the end of the day, now.
"The perk for them is that they have friends there to play with," Seaver said. "It will benefit me more next year, as my youngest will start preschool at the HUG program two days a week. In the past, I've had to adjust my work schedule to accommodate getting my kiddo to and from preschool."
Jefferson City Public Schools coordinates before and after school care with the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital City.
Some schools offer after-school tutoring, like Clarksburg four days-a-week until 4:20 p.m.
And others like California Elementary School open their doors and breakfast program early. Although instruction doesn't begin until 7:50 a.m., students may stay in the cafeteria from 7-7:30 a.m. and then in the multipurpose room or gymnasium, depending on grade level, until 7:45 a.m.
Because of the changing lifestyle of working parents, High Point Elementary School has heard the need for approved child care in the area. Superintendent Stan Elliott said he was looking into partnerships with local organizations at least to provide care during the upcoming summer school.
"It's a community issue and the school is a community asset," said Elliott said. "We're always looking for ways to make things better for our parents and our students."