Registration for the 2023-24 School Year Now Open! The Friendship Cares Extended Day Program is offered at the following campuses for the grades listed: Friendship Armstrong Elementary (Pre-K3 – 6th grade) Friendship Blow Pierce Elementary (Pre-K3 – 6th grade) Friendship Chamberlain Elementary (Pre-K3 – 6th grade) Friendship Ideal Elementary (Pre-K3 – 6th grade) Friendship Southeast Elementary (Pre-K3 – 6th grade) Friendship Woodridge Intl. Elementary (Pre-K3 – 6th grade) Friendship Cares provides two distinct academic experiences: The Explorers Pathway is designed for scholars in Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten only, with a focus on early literacy development through read alouds, dramatic play, and lessons that teach students to positively self-regulate their emotions. Before-Care: 7:00 am – 7:55 am Aftercare: 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Early Release Fridays: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm The Junior Scholars Pathway is designed for students in 1st through 5th grades, with a focus on homework help and math and reading intervention. In addition, students will participate in read alouds and independent reading. Before-Care: 7:00 am – 7:55 am After-care: 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Early Release Fridays: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm In addition to receiving academic support, Friendship Cares also engages scholars in enrichment opportunities throughout the school year, including arts and crafts, STEM projects, field trips, and recreational activities. Staffed by early childhood professionals, Friendship Cares maintains a low staff-to-student ratio in compliance with OSSE and D.C. Department of Health regulations. Weekly Fee: $70. Weekly fee is based on enrollment, not attendance. Friendship Cares does not provide drop-in service. Please note that Friendship Cares is a licensed, fee-based childcare program. Subsidy and scholarships are available to parents who qualify. Interested in subsidized childcare? Click here to contact our eligibility specialist. Current Friendship Cares parents: Register your child online through our Parent Portal. Interested in subsidized childcare? Click here to contact our eligibility specialist. New Friendship Cares parents: Registration is open and must be completed online through the Parent Portal. Click “Register” under the New Parents – Open Account icon. Please complete the online application and submit all required, up-to-date documentation and forms as soon as possible. Click here to open an account and complete an application. There are no paper applications. The online application and all OSSE required forms must be completed and approved before your child is fully admitted and can start the program. Friendship Cares is fee-based. Parents pay a weekly fee or are eligible for a subsidy. Interested in subsidized childcare? Click here to contact our eligibility specialist. For questions, contact Friendship’s Office of Extended Learning Programs at 202.281.1714 or FriendshipCares@friendshipschools.org. Click here for the 2023-24 Friendship Cares Parent Handbook.
