Belleville Schools Will Switch Child Care Providers In 2024

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Goodbye, Champions … and hello, Apollo. That’s the child care switch that will be taking place in the Belleville Public School District, officials announced this week.

For the past several years, Champions – a private child care provider that works with educators across the nation – has been running before and aftercare services at several schools in Belleville. Champions has also been running a summer camp session in the district.

However, the Belleville school district will be switching to a new provider starting on Feb. 5: Apollo After School.

Apollo will be providing the same service to interested families, plus additional programs (such as competitive chess) soon after the transition, Superintendent Richard Tomko told Patch on Thursday.

School administrators offered more details about the switch in a letter to the community (see it below, or view it online here).

The letter stated:

“The Apollo After School programs offer a range of fun and educational activities to keep your children safe and active until you are able to pick them up. In addition to the themed enrichment content, Apollo provides snacks, organized physical activities, and a dedicated homework time. The company’s program enhances students’ self-confidence and promotes creative expression. Apollo is committed to preserving valued staff members who are highly cherished by your children. Additionally, Apollo will exert every effort to transition any current program employees, ensuring continuity and familiarity for both children and families.”

As the district’s new aftercare partner, Apollo will handle registration and billing independently. It will offer three, four, and five days a week options, plus drop-ins.

Apollo After School offers multi-sibling family discounts, and participates in multiple state and local voucher programs to assist families in need, Belleville administrators said.

• See Related: NJ Preschool Funds Are Paying Big Dividends For Belleville, Official Says
• See Related: Belleville Schools May See 625 New Students In 10 Years

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