Before and After School Program
Program History
As the population in North Brunswick Township grew and became more diverse, the need for leisure after school child care became apparent. In 1983, education leaders and the Township Government determined that working parents in the Township required child care for the “Latch Key Kids” that were prominent during this time period. This collaboration led to the first LEAL site at John Adams School with an enrollment of just under 40 kids. The programming at that time was limited to PM LEAL only.
The program grew from one location with 36 kids and five staff members to five locations with nearly 500 kids and up to 85 staff members over a 37-year time period. Even with population growth and the establishment of several nearby child care facilities, Project LEAL remains the first choice for child care in North Brunswick.
North Brunswick has changed and evolved since LEAL’s inception in 1983. DPRCS has been there every step of the way working directly with the Board of Education, principals and school officials ensuring North Brunswick families have access to dependable, affordable child care. Recognizing the change in community demographics and the ever-changing trends surrounding community development, technology and social interaction, DPRCS incorporated an In-Service training initiative for adolescents.
Like many education and recreation professionals, the Project LEAL staffers receive continuous training specific to the areas of: Child Development, Social Interaction, Emotional Learning, Coaching, Social Decision Making and Problem Solving.
Since we have direct connections to the families and residents we serve, often times families share with us the need for adaptable services to meet their child care needs. Thanks to consistent specialized training, our parents and Township officials are confident in our ability to meet the needs confidentially, delicately, respectfully and, of course, economically.
Project LEAL is open to all children in North Brunswick Township, grades K-8. Enrollment is limited and space is assigned based on State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) – Office of Licensing Guidelines.
Instructions to create online registration account
In conjunction with our Township mission, the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services (DRPCS) is dedicated to rendering optimal service in the areas of child care, senior programming, public recreation events and programs, topic training, awareness and development to an approximate 44,000 population of program participants within North Brunswick Township.
Project LEAL is a wrap-around child care initiative created to be an: {Extended Leisure Learning Alternative}. The letters were rearranged to spell LEAL. It creates an atmosphere where children get to enhance and practice what they are learning in schools and in the home.
The LEAL program provides a high quality, safe and nurturing recreational environment that is dependable and affordable for families it serves. Our goal is to continue providing developmentally appropriate child care that stimulates social, cognitive, physical and emotional growth for the children enrolled. We are a proud extension of North Brunswick’s government for the residents and families we serve.
Children in grades 2-6 are eligible to participate in the Project LEAL program. Registration is limited.
The program is offered at all four Elementary Schools and Linwood School in the cafeteria. It is held during the school year from the first day of school in September until the last day of school in June. AM LEAL is from 7 a.m. until the start of school day. PM LEAL is from the end of school day until 6 p.m.
AM LEAL is Available at all four Elementary Schools. Parents must escort children into the building and sign in no earlier than 7 a.m. Children have breakfast and are supervised through the beginning of the school day.
PM LEAL is from the close of school until 6 p.m. Children walk to cafeteria, are given a snack and participate in various activities. Parents must come into the building to sign out their child/children no later than 6 p.m.
HOLIDAY LEAL is held during certain holidays when school is closed. The program takes place at Linwood from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Children must be escorted into the building and signed in no earlier than 7 a.m. The children participate in a variety of activities on site and will attend local trips. If enrollment is low the program will be cancelled.
ASSISTANCE is available through Catholic Charities. For more information call Catholic Charities at (732) 324-4357 ext 115 or DPRCS at (732) 247-0922, ext. 475.
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES – Project LEAL activities are accessible to the disabled. If your child has special needs, please notify us via phone or in person prior to registering so we can better accommodate your family.
Staff
Applicants must be 16 years of age. Applications are available at the DPRCS office or the Township Human Resources Department.
