KidStop Program: Supporting Sheboygan’s Working Families and Building a Stronger Community
The Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) is committed to supporting students’ growth and well-being, not only inside the classroom but beyond school hours as well. One of the most critical ways the district accomplishes this is through its KidStop Before and After School Care program—a vital resource that provides wraparound care for hundreds of students each year.
What is KidStop?
KidStop is a collaborative effort between the Sheboygan Community Recreation Department, the Boys & Girls Club of Sheboygan County, and the Sheboygan County YMCA. Established in 2019, this program offers a safe, structured environment for students before and after school. It’s designed to meet the needs of working families, many of whom rely on this service to balance their professional responsibilities with the care of their children.
Currently, KidStop serves an average of 600 students and their families annually across nine elementary schools in the Sheboygan Area School District. These numbers underscore the program’s importance to the community as a whole. For families where both parents work, or single-parent households, before and after school care is essential for maintaining stability.
Benefits to the Kids
KidStop provides more than just supervision—it offers an enriching environment for children to grow, learn, and socialize. With trained, caring staff at each site, children can engage in planned activities, play outside, and build relationships with their peers. For students, KidStop is a space where they can:
- Complete homework assignments, allowing for more family time in the evenings.
- Engage in physical activities, ensuring they stay active and healthy.
- Develop social skills by interacting with other students in a relaxed, supervised setting.
By offering these opportunities, KidStop helps foster well-rounded children who are ready to excel not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
Benefits to Families and the Community
KidStop plays a crucial role in the broader Sheboygan community by providing a reliable, affordable solution for working parents and guardians. The program currently serves children whose families work at over 300 different local employers. For these families, knowing that their children are in a safe and supportive environment during the hours before and after school brings peace of mind.
For the community, KidStop strengthens the social fabric by ensuring that parents can pursue their professional lives, knowing their children are well cared for. The program also builds partnerships between SASD and local non-profit organizations, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can benefit the entire community.
Encouraging Continued Support for SASD
KidStop is a shining example of what public tax dollars can provide—a valuable service that improves the lives of Sheboygan’s children and families. Programs like KidStop are an essential part of the district’s broader mission to support the community, both inside and outside of the classroom. By funding these kinds of programs, residents are investing in the future of Sheboygan—ensuring that children grow up in a community that cares for their well-being and development.
As we look to the future, continued community support is vital to maintaining and expanding the KidStop program. With more families and students relying on these services each year, the importance of school district funding cannot be overstated. Supporting initiatives like KidStop not only helps students thrive but also strengthens Sheboygan as a whole.
If you’d like to learn more about the KidStop program, or to see how your tax dollars are being used to support local children, visit the Sheboygan Area School District’s website or contact the Community Recreation Department at (920) 459-3773.
Key Takeaway
Sheboygan’s KidStop program is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the positive impact that local tax dollars can have on families. By supporting this program, residents are investing in the success and well-being of their children and the future of Sheboygan.