Sheboygan district approves 4K wraparound pilot to extend full‑day care at Early Learning Center

The Sheboygan Area School District approved a one‑year pilot to add wraparound care to its Early Learning Center (ELC) 4K program, extending daily coverage for families from a 7:15 a.m. start through 5:30 p.m. on regular school days.

A district presenter told the board the pilot is intended to help families and address staffing challenges that emerged during the COVID era. “We are very excited to bring this today,” the presenter said, and described plans to use existing Kids Stop staff combined with new hires to cover the middle‑of‑day wraparound period.

The program will integrate with existing Kids Stop before‑and‑after‑school services. According to presenters, wraparound care is specifically for 4K students and will support half‑day 4K classes by providing morning coverage for afternoon 4K students and afternoon coverage for morning 4K students. “These programs will provide consistent full day coverage for families within the school calendar,” the presenter said.

Officials said the pilot will require families to sign up for a full week (no part‑week option) during the first year. Registration details given at the meeting set an interest window from May 6 through May 27; families offered placements will be notified by June 12 and must confirm placement between June 12 and July 1 with a nonrefundable $50 fee. Presenters said the district structured the fees to aim to “break even” at projected enrollment levels and that discounts will not be available in the pilot year.

Staff described safety and daily routines: the schedule includes structured and choice‑based activities, outside time weather permitting, meals supplied by the district nutrition department and a rest/quiet period. Presenters emphasized the rest period “is required…that does not mean a nap,” and said they are designing the pilot to meet daycare expectations even though the ELC is not initially a licensed daycare provider.

On staffing and capacity, presenters cited Wisconsin Department of Children and Families guidance for four‑year‑olds — a staffing ratio of one adult to 13 children and a maximum of 24 children per room — and said the district will establish wait lists and use a lottery if demand exceeds available spots. Officials said there is room to expand the program after a successful pilot but noted licensing would impose additional space requirements (35 square feet per child) that could affect long‑term capacity.

Speakers also discussed funding options. At the meeting one presenter described an example of projected funding that originally looked like $6,000 per student and could drop to about $2,100 per student under certain assumptions; the presenter cautioned the district opted not to rely on that funding for the pilot year. The presenter criticized a state bill that, in their view, shifted revenue from private daycares to schools, and said the district will monitor state policy developments. The presenter referenced state education conversations involving State Superintendent Jill Underly.

A parent who spoke during public comment praised the pilot as affordable. “The cost of this is so incredible for what you get,” the parent said, and asked whether students with IEPs could participate. District staff responded that the program will be designed through a 504 lens and that families can request accommodations so students with additional needs can participate.

The board voted to approve implementation of the ELC 4K wraparound pilot by voice vote. The motion carried; the chair cast the affirmative voice response recorded in the minutes. The meeting record shows staff will proceed with outreach, registration and a one‑year pilot timetable; the district said it will reassess fees, scheduling and licensing options after the pilot year.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve implementation of the ELC 4K wraparound pilot program: approved by voice vote; exact tally not specified.