Sara Sandstrom, Nederland. Millions of students in the nation have returned home and resumed learning virtually. This is true for all students in the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD). There are many families who understand first hand that this arrangement is impossible or nearly impossible to pull off. Schools provide so much more than just math and reading skills. They are a social outlet for kids. Schools bring structure and safety for some kids. In some circumstances school is where kids get most of their food for the day. 

The reality is that schools have had to close their doors because the number of Covid cases has risen sharply in the area. BVSD has kept the Color Me Smart – Preschool Enrichment (CMS) and School Aged Care (SAC) programs open to assist families during this time. These programs are open in Nederland at the elementary school. 

Color Me Smart is led by supervisor Liz Cooley and assistant supervisor Betsy Epp. CMS is open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

This preschool program is play based and Cooley says, “Our emphasis is on scaffolding social skills and imaginative play, skills proven to improve academic outcomes and resilience. We have fun and make friends! We support toileting schedules and encourage healthy eating.”

Once registered for CMS you can schedule full or half day care for you little ones. And you can even schedule drop in slots as available. Cooley says, “Think half day powder day, childcare allows for parents to engage in self-care as well.”

Contact Liz Cooley at Elizabeth.cooley@bvsd.org to learn more about cost and this wonderful preschool program. 

The School Aged Care or SAC program is also taking place at Nederland Elementary. This is a place where kids in grades Kindergarten through eighth grade can come for care and on days of remote learning they will have assistance from the teachers. 

On days when school is not in session there are creative and fun activities and crafts planned for the kids. 

SAC is led by supervisor Dana Blahnik. The program is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. For information on cost and general inquiries you can contact Blahnik at 720-731-8249 or dana.blahnik@bvsd.org. 

Because of the current pandemic all children in both programs must bring their own lunch and snacks. Masks are required. Also, there is no bus service to or from the school. Families must pick up and drop off their kids. Child Care Assistance Programs (CCAP) is available for families who qualify. These programs are open some days during the holiday breaks.

The CMS and SAC programs at Nederland Elementary provide a safe and positive environment for kids. They get time outside for fresh air and have age appropriate activities every day. The teachers are caring, supportive and compassionate and have worked very hard to bring these programs to Nederland. They have passed all inspections and are fully licensed. They are open and ready to enroll your child.

(Originally published in the November 26, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)