Robeson County officials describe ‘Prime Time’ after‑school program, report steady enrollment and no fee increases

Melinda Sellers, the Prime Time coordinator for Public Schools of Robeson County, briefed the school board on Jan. 13 about the district’s before- and after-school support program.

Sellers said Prime Time serves 13 school sites (11 of which are certified by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education), operates on regular school days with morning care beginning about 6:30 a.m. and after-school care continuing until about 6 p.m., and follows an enhanced staffing ratio of 20 students per worker. She said the program’s after‑school fee is $32 per week for one child; families pay incrementally more for additional children in the same household, and the district has not increased fees in at least 10 years.

Sellers reported approximately 450 enrolled students for the school year (a peak of 470 on record) and said the program employs more than 50 trained staff, including current district employees and retirees. She described typical programming — a daily snack, homework time, centers, and outdoor play — and said the district offers assistance through DSS child-care vouchers for eligible families.

Board members thanked program staff and asked a staffing question; Sellers confirmed the district maintains the 20:1 ratio as a target and that morning care is not offered on days with school delays.

What’s next: No fee changes were proposed. The board expressed appreciation for program staff; Sellers said she will continue outreach and pursue grant opportunities to expand hands-on materials at sites.