History

The FLASH Program made its debut in August of 2009 in Oak Lawn Hometown School District 123.  Because the program was new, we started our first year combining the 5 schools in the district (Covington, Hannum, Hometown, Kolmar & Sward) to two locations: Covington & Hannum.  During the Winter of 2010 we began offering FLASH within the 4 schools in Ridgeland School District 122 (Columbus Manor, Harnew, Kolb & Lieb).  By the end of the 2009-2010 school year we had approximately 100 children in the program. 

Many parents in District 123 were thrilled to discover that we would no longer be combining schools in the 2010-2011 school year.  We are now offering FLASH at 9 schools total within the 2 districts. As of June of 2011 we have approximately 180 children in the program and we are growing everyday.  We are constantly taking children's and parent's suggestions into account to help us to continue improving our program.  Thanks for all of your input! 

Though we are happy summer is here, we are already working on applying everything we've learned to improve the program for the 2011-2012 school year.  We hope to see many returning faces in fall.   Have a wonderful summer!

Locations

Program Hours

Before School                                           After School

   7:00AM-School Begins                         School Dismissal-6:00PM

Age Range

District 122

Kindergarten* through 5th Grade

*Because District 122 offers Half Day Kindergarten, we can only offer Flash to Kindergarteners under special circumstances.  FLASH is not allowed to be in the school during normal school hours.  However, we can offer before school care for children who have Half Day Kindergarten in the morning, but not afternoon care.  We can also offer after school care for children who attend Half Day Kindergarten in the afternoon but not morning care.

District 123

*Kindergarten through 5th Grade  

*Some schools in District 123 have a Pre-K program.  We are willing to offer Flash to Pre-K children, provided they start and/or end school at the normal time, are at least 5 years old, and are potty trained.

Ratio

1 Staff to 8 Children

Early Dismissal

Early Dismissal days are included in the cost if your child is already scheduled to attend FLASH on that afternoon.  Children not scheduled to be there on an Early Dismissal Day may attend for a small fee.  Lunch will be provided by FLASH on all Early Dismissal Days.

Fees:  School Dismissal-3:30PM  $15

           School Dismissal-6:00PM  $25

For more information regarding Early Dismissal Days, please click here.

School Days Off

Field Trips

On most School Days Off FLASH will offer a full day program that will be housed in the Community Pavilion.  On these days, we typically take the children on a field trip and spend the rest of the day at the Community Pavilion playing games and doing activities.

The program will be offered from 6:45AM-6:00PM and the cost will be separate from the monthly tuition (typically between $30-$40 per day).  Information regarding these days will be distributed in monthly newsletters and registration forms.

For more information regarding Field Trips, please click here.

FLASH Camps

When children are given a lengthy break from school, FLASH will now be offering a FLASH Camp in an attempt to offer more reasonable pricing options.  We will spend a good deal of this time at the Community Pavilion and will be going on small in-house trips to facilities within our own park district and community.  Like field trip days, FLASH Camps will be offered from 6:45AM-6:00PM.

For more information regarding FLASH Camps, please click here.

Homework

Everyday we will encourage children to work on homework.  Our staff will be on hand to assist children, if needed.  While, we cannot guarantee that your child's homework will be completed everyday, we will always be on hand to motivate them

to do so. 

Some schools offer a "Homework Club" for children to have a quiet place to do homework after school.  For those parents concerned with having their child's homework completed after school, this is a great option.  When children are released from the club they will be brought down to FLASH.  Children participating in extra-curricular activities are not under the responsibility of FLASH until they are brought down to the program.

T-Shirt

Each year we will distribute a complimentary T-Shirt to each participant in the program.  Children are required to wear their shirts on every field trip for easy identification.  Additional shirts are available for $5 each. 

If you have not yet received your t-shirt for the current year, please contact Cate O'Brien at flash@olparks.com.

Physical Activities

Daily Indoor and outdoor activities offer children endless ways to get exercise , socialize and have fun!  We consistently try to introduce new games and activities for the children to keep them moving.

Snacks

We provide healthy snacks to give kids the nutrients and energy they need to keep their bodies running smart and strong.  Snack is served in the afternoon only.  Parents are always welcome to send their children with their own snacks in the morning and afternoon if they prefer.

Monthly Newsletter

The Director of The FLASH Program creates a newsletter that is distributed at the beginning of each month.  To view all of the FLASH Newsletters for the current school year, click here.