Press Release, Branford Family Resource Center

The Branford School-Aged Child Care (SACC) program recently celebrated “Lights on Afterschool” as one of thousands of programs nationwide in recognition of the positive impact after school programs have on children and communities. Families of SACC students were invited to view art displays during drop-off or pick-up times at Tisko, Sliney and Murphy schools.

Thousands of children have benefited from Branford SACC since its inception in 1993. Currently, the Branford SACC program serves over 100 Branford Public Schools students to provide before and after school care for grades K through 6 and wrap-around care for pre-K students. SACC programming provides children with a safe place to engage in a variety of activities under the supervision of caring, experienced staff.

When students were asked what they loved about SACC, top responses included meeting new friends, playing with friends, crafts and indoor and outdoor play. In addition to a variety of everyday activities, grant funds allow the SACC programs to offer occasional extracurricular activities such as yoga, chess club and soccer coaching. This fall, coach Shane Smith has been visiting each program monthly to coach soccer.

SACC staff play a key role in hundreds of children’s daily lives as role models and caregivers. One student wrote about SACC staff: “We love our afterschool staff because they care about us, are kind to us, they plan fun projects, they try hard to keep us safe, and they take time to care for us.”

Julia Giblin, parent of a current SACC student, shared her thoughts regarding the program:

“My husband and I both work full time and, until recently, have not had any extended family who live close by, so the SACC aftercare program is totally essential for our household to function. We are signed up for the aftercare every day because it provides us the insurance and flexibility to know that our daughter has child care even if we get caught in traffic on the way home or have to work late,” said Giblin. “Moreover, Mimi and Masha are wonderful caregivers. They are kind, creative and communicative. Our daughter said the other day that she wanted to spend the night at SACC and come in the mornings for before school care—a testament to how much fun she has during the aftercare program! It makes me so happy to know she values her time with Mimi and Masha in that way. We are very grateful for the high-quality program that SACC offers. It makes a huge difference for our family.”

Another mom who attends school and works part time mentioned that the SACC program, “...has helped me immensely and allows me to follow my dreams. Don’t know what I would do without this program.”

SACC’s current program coordinator, Pam DeMaio, said SACC is a valuable service for Branford families:

“Our before and after-school programs are a vital part of helping children succeed in academics and in life. Our program provides a safe place for children to be during the hours when they are not in school and not with their parents or guardians. They also give children the opportunity to learn new things, make new friends, and have fun,” DeMaio said.

Find more information the Branford SACC program at branfordschools.org/o/frc-sacc or call (203) 481-5066.

Lights On Afterschool is organized by the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children have access to quality afterschool programs. More information is available at afterschoolalliance.org