By CHRISTIE BLECK

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Marquette Area Public Schools has announced the continuation of before-and-after-school child care services for the 2019-2020 school year.

MAPS’ longtime partner Child and Family Services announced in June it wasn’t able to continue this program, which left a large void. According to a news release from the school district, it was important to MAPS to find partners that would offer services that best met the needs of students and families, which meant providing care in each elementary building.

Four local providers have stepped in to fill this need:

≤ Graveraet Elementary — Kids Club, kidsclubcdcmqt@gmail.com;

≤ Cherry Creek Elementary — Grove-R Day Care, groverdaycare@gmail.com;

≤ Superior Hills Elementary — Megan’s Family Day Care, meganjosimmons@gmail.com; and

≤ Sandy Knoll Elementary — Child Central Station, amyahola@gmail.com.

In a letter to parents and families in the MAPS district, Superintendent Bill Saunders said the district recognizes this service helps many families balance work and school obligations, and that the ease of drop-off and pick-up at each building is what’s best for students and families.

“After a short summer of researching options, we are excited to be joined by distinguished local day care businesses who share our vision for providing the best care for students and families in their home schools,” Saunders wrote.

Saunders encouraged parents in need of care for their children before or after school to reach out to the day care that will provide these services in the buildings their children attend.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.