Welcome to Charter Extended Day

The Charter Extended Day program was developed in 1984 to respond to the working parents’ need for quality child care. Located on school campuses, Extended Day provides child care before, during, and after school, as well as school vacations or intersession times with sufficient interest. The programs allow children to go back and forth from school to child care without transportation by the parent. While in this safe, supervised environment, children participate in a variety of educationally enriched activities. School districts in El Dorado County request and host Extended Day programs. Full day programs serving kindergarten are offered at selected schools.

Extended Day Eligibility

Children enrolled in kindergarten through the eighth grades, in one of the districts requesting service, may participate in Extended Day.  Kindergartners may participate in the morning or afternoon programs as needed; however, mid-day care is only provided in districts as room and need permits.  Transitional kindergartners are taken on a trial basis.  

Children with special needs may participate unless their needs cannot be met within the parameters of the program as established.  Generally, a trial period is provided to help determine whether the Charter Extended Day program can appropriately and safely meet the needs of each child.  All children are expected to be toilet trained.  Part of our consideration is an evaluation of any placement in the program in terms of other children and staff utilization.  Unfortunately, it does occur from time to time that the Charter Extended Day Program is not a good fit for a child.  In such cases, other available alternatives are reviewed with parents and contact will be made with the school to facilitate a smooth transition.

Types of Programs

Traditional Programs

The Traditional program starts when school begins in the fall and operates Monday through Friday, providing before and after school care, as well as full day care during staff development days and noted holidays, with sufficient enrollment.

Modified Traditional Programs

Several schools offer modified traditional programs. Extended Day follows the school schedule; there may be vacation periods where intersession programs are scheduled. With adequate numbers, full day care may be provided at regional sites.

Summer Session Programs

Full day summer programs are available during vacation time. This program provides a variety of creative and recreational opportunities for the children’s enjoyment.

Kindergarten Programs

Kindergarten programs are available at selected sites - both before, during, and after regular school hours. Schools request this additional service and provide space for the program.

C.A.R.E. Bear Program

This program is designed to help those qualifying students who need extra assistance. The child receives visits at the site from an Extended Day Mentor/Program Coordinator who assists in designing a plan to help ensure the student's success.