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Northwest R-1 School District

Lion Care FAQ

If you have questions not answered below, please reach out to our Lion Care staff or Program Manager.

1. Who can attend Lion Care? 

Lion Care is offered for students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade at Northwest elementary schools and children attending Early Childhood Center. Please note that this does not apply to half-day classes at the Early Childhood Center. For ECC half-day classes, Lion Care will be available during the shift that aligns most closely with their schedule, but not both shifts.

2. How do I enroll my child(ren)?

Visit https://northwestschools.ce.eleyo.com/LionCare and follow the directions shown. Each student must have their own contracts. 

3. How do I make payments?

You can view your latest invoices and make payments directly on your Eleyo account with a debit or credit card, or a banking account. Online payment methods can be stored for future use, allowing for more efficient check-out processes. The option to set up auto-pay is available as well, but it does not automatically activate upon saving a payment method. 
Cash, checks, debit and credit cards, and money orders are also accepted on-site. Our staff will write a receipt for on-site payments.

4. What are the hours of operation?

Early Childhood Center morning session 6:15 am - 8:05 am / afternoon session 3:15 pm - 6:15 pm

Elementary schools' morning session  6:15 am - 8:15 am / afternoon session 3:25 pm - 6:15 pm, except Maple Grove which has a morning session from 6:00 am-8:30 am

Families needing care only on Late Start Wednesdays for students in grades K-5 are eligible for a discounted rate and waived enrollment fee at their respective schools. Parents must enroll their child(ren) in advance. Students will remain in the program until they are released to the school's paraprofessionals at 8:20 am. Students attending the program on other days or shifts are not eligible for the special rates/terms offered to those only needing care on Late Start days, and no additional fees will be charged.

5. Will Lion Care fit my schedule?

By enrolling your student, you have the flexibility to select the specific days and shifts that best suit your needs. Families can choose their preferred days either at the time of enrollment or as needed. All days throughout the year are available for selection upon enrollment.As families have the choice to select mornings and/or afternoons, the enrollment confirmation email will indicate that you are enrolled for both morning and afternoon care. However, please note that this does not guarantee specific dates have been chosen, but rather that they are available for selection.

6. What will my student be doing in Lion Care?

Lion Care is a choice-based program, offering a diverse curriculum that is intended to reflect a variety of student interests as well as offer unique and fun opportunities that create new interests. During these activities, children learn to communicate, develop critical thinking, organizational, and motor skills, strengthen language, and encourage social development. Children will receive high-energy options in the form of group games and outside play when accessible. All children will participate in outside play, when accessible unless a doctor’s note indicates otherwise.

7. What programs are available to assist my child?

Lion Care assists children with social interaction and homework in a fun, safe environment. We are available for children who attend after-school club meetings, or for children who have special needs. Lion Care may also be an option for families who need to have an emergency back-up plan, even though their children will not usually attend our program. The program and its staff will do our best to accommodate the family and child's needs.

8. How long has Lion Care been offered at Northwest?

Lion Care has been proudly serving the families of the Northwest School District for 20 years! Beginning in March 2005, Northwest began our district-run before and after-school childcare program under the guidance of our first Program Manager, Caroline Meyers. Prior to March 2005, the program was offered as a "latchkey" program through the YMCA.

9. Does Lion Care accept Division of Social Services (DSS) assistance? 

Yes, we are approved for DSS. As a school district, we are exempt from licensure. If you qualify for childcare assistance, please provide your credentials during the enrollment process.

10. Can you tell me about the staff?

On average, the Lion Care staff have 7+ years of childcare experience and live in the Northwest District. Most of our staff are Northwest alumni whose children attend or have graduated from Northwest. All of the staff are required to participate in professional development in the childcare field each year and maintain proper certifications. Several of our staff have early childhood education college credit hours and some have college degrees.

11. I have more questions that aren't answered here. What do I do?

You can find more information by viewing our Family Handbook here.

You can also contact our Program Manager, Amanda Santure, at asanture@northwestschools.net or 636-677-3473.