Finding the right after-school care for your elementary school child, especially one that caters to therapeutic needs, is a top priority for many parents. If you’re in Albuquerque and considering Mark Twain Elementary, you might be asking: Does Mark Twain Elementary have an after care therapeutic program? This article will provide you with the information you need to understand the after-school program offerings connected to Mark Twain Elementary and how they address therapeutic recreation.
Therapeutic Recreation Programs Near Mark Twain Elementary
While Mark Twain Elementary itself may not directly operate an after care therapeutic program on-site, the City of Albuquerque’s Community Recreation and Education Initiatives Division offers such programs at nearby locations, including programs accessible to Mark Twain Elementary students. Specifically, the Heights Community Center and other designated school sites provide therapeutic recreation before and after school programs. Mark Twain Elementary is listed as one of the locations offering these valuable services.
Elementary Program Offerings Including Mark Twain Elementary
The Therapeutic Recreation Before & After School Program is designed to be inclusive, welcoming elementary-aged children with disabilities. For Mark Twain Elementary, the program operates with the following schedule:
- Before School Hours: 7:00 am until the start of classes.
- After School Hours: From school dismissal until 6:00 pm.
This program focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment. It’s important to note that while the Heights Community Center provides transportation to and from Monte Vista Elementary School and Bandelier Elementary School, families are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Mark Twain Elementary for this program. This ensures that children from various schools can access the therapeutic after-school care offered at the Mark Twain Elementary location.
In addition to Mark Twain Elementary, McCollum Elementary School is also mentioned as another location for these inclusion-focused programs. However, McCollum Elementary only offers an After School Program due to its early start time.
Program Registration and Further Information
For parents interested in enrolling their children in the Therapeutic Recreation Before & After School Program linked to Mark Twain Elementary, registration is managed through the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department.
- Online Registration: You can register online at play.cabq.gov. Online registration typically opens in late June or July for the upcoming school year. For the 24-25 school year, online registration began on July 29th, 2024.
- Fees and Payment: These programs within APS schools do have monthly fees. Detailed fee and payment information can be found on the play.cabq.gov website.
- Limited Space & Waiting Lists: Spaces in these programs are limited. Once a program reaches capacity, an online waiting list automatically opens. Children with disabilities are given priority on the waiting list, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusion.
Inclusion and Access to Recreation
The City of Albuquerque’s Community Recreation and Education Initiatives Division emphasizes its commitment to providing inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities. Beyond the before and after school programs, they offer additional support through:
- The Access Program: This program provides training and inclusion support to other City of Albuquerque programs, tailoring support to individual participant needs.
- The Inclusion Ambassador Program: This program offers professional development to part-time staff in community centers throughout Albuquerque, enhancing their ability to support inclusive recreation.
If you are seeking recreational opportunities for your child within your neighborhood, you are encouraged to register for any City recreation program and request accommodations through program management to ensure an inclusive experience.
In conclusion, while Mark Twain Elementary may not have an independent “after care therapeutic program” directly run by the school, it is a designated location for the City of Albuquerque’s Therapeutic Recreation Before & After School Program. This program offers valuable support and inclusive care for elementary students with disabilities. Parents interested in this program for their children attending Mark Twain Elementary should visit play.cabq.gov for registration and detailed program information, keeping in mind the need to arrange personal transportation to and from the Mark Twain Elementary program site.
