Johnson City after-school programs see higher attendance for back to school

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — After-school programs are seeing an uptick in attendees as back-to-school season is in full swing. These programs have different ideas as to the reasoning behind this, including need, a growing population, convenience, and the closure of Girls, Inc.

The Boys and Girls Club of Johnson City/Washington County has information advertised on its sign about after-school program registration. President and CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Johnson City/Washington County, Robin Crumley said those applications have come in quickly within the last week.

“After-school care is booming,” said Crumley. “We have over 100 [kids], but we have people coming in every day.”

Crumley said staff members are welcoming a lot of familiar faces back to the program, but are seeing some new ones too. She believes part of this is because of the area’s growing population.

“We’re seeing a lot of kindergarteners coming in, a lot of new people coming to the community, coming in from all over the United States, not just different school systems,” Crumley said.

Girls, Inc. of Johnson City/Washington County used to be an affordable option, but after about a week’s notice, closed its doors around the end of July.

Families from that program have shown interest in the Boys and Girls Club, along with another after-school program, Coalition4Kids, as they try to find a new affordable option.

Coalition4Kids has a waiting list as an option that could provide free care to kids depending on their socioeconomic status.

Compared to this time last year, applications to Coalition4Kids are 35% higher right now. That’s with 225 kids with applications in the system, according to their executive director, Randy Hensley.

Hensley said one less option for families is concerning.

“There’s a sense in the community that this is a big deal, that a non-profit serving kids is no longer serving, who’s been around for decades is no longer here,” Hensley said. “That’s a big deal. And, we’ve got to pay attention because these are all our kids and it’s up to us to take care of all these kids.”

EduCare is another option for families, offered through Johnson City Schools. The fee changes depending on factors such as the school and time period of care.

“There are other after-school programs in the area, but not all of them are offered at the school,” said Melissa Stukes, supervisor of special programs and attendance for Johnson City Schools. “So, for a lot of parents, it’s more convenient too to have them right at the same school.”

Hensley said the organization’s board is going to look at more ways to provide more openings to families. All three of the available services have opportunities to increase staffing and/or are fully staffed to accommodate higher numbers.

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