Director of Kids Plus
Documents and Links
Welcome to Kids Plus
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to Kids Plus! We are thrilled to have your child join us for an exciting and enriching afterschool experience.
At Kids Plus, we are dedicated to providing a safe, fun and nurturing environment where your child can grow, discover and shine. Our program offers a variety of activities designed to complement their school day, including homework time, arts and crafts, STEM/STEAM activities, sports and much more.
Inside this handbook, you will find your school’s program location, program hours and contact information.
What to Expect:
Daily Activities: Each day, your child will participate in a range of structured activities that promote social, emotional and academic development.
Homework Time: Our staff will provide support and supervision during homework time to ensure that your child can complete their assignments before going home.
Snacks: Champaign Unit 4’s Food Service Department will provide healthy snacks everyday. If your child has any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know.
Our Staff:
Our staff consists of experienced and caring professionals who are passionate about working with children. All staff members have undergone background checks and are trained in first aid and CPR.
Communication:
We believe that open communication between parents and our staff is key to a successful program. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions or concerns. We will also send out quarterly newsletters to keep you informed about upcoming events and important announcements.
Parent Involvement:
We welcome and encourage parent involvement. We would love to see you at our Family Engagement events.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s before and after school care. We are looking forward to a fantastic year filled with learning, laughter, and fun!
Warm Regards,
Teresa L. Blanden, Kids Plus Director
Mission
The mission of the Kids Plus Program is to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for Champaign Unit 4 students in grades K-5 during before and after school hours, where they can explore academic, recreational, and social opportunities. We strive to foster personal growth, enhance educational achievement and build engaging activities. Our program is dedicated to supporting families, promoting community involvement, and ensuring every child has the resources and encouragement needed to reach their full potential.
Office Hours
Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location
Center for Family and Community Engagement
Mellon Administrative Center
703 S. New Street
Champaign, IL 61820
Contact Information
Phone: (217) 351-3719
Email: kidsplus@u4sd.org
Our Administrative Team
Teresa Blanden
Christine Borrmann
Assistant Director of Staff Development
borrmach@u4sd.org
(217) 351-3719 EXT: 1106
Arabella Ramirez
Assistant Director of Student Engagement
ramirear@u4sd.org
(217) 351-3719 EXT: 1114
Steven Ambrose
Accounting Clerk/Secretary
ambrosst@u4sd.org
(217) 351-3719 EXT: 1107
Kids Plus Program Hours
All before-school programs start at 7 a.m. and run until the school day starts.
All after-school programs begin at the end of the school day and run until 6 p.m.
*These plans are subject to change based on safety guidelines that are set by the State and School District.
**Students must be dropped off by 8:00 a.m. to participate in the Before School Program
Early Dismissal/Early Out Mondays
On scheduled early dismissal days, currently enrolled Kids Plus students will be able to attend from the time of early dismissal until 6:00 p.m. Unless a field trip is planned, there is no additional cost.
Special Camps (Fall Break and Spring Break)
Registration is required for ALL Special Camps.
An additional fee for each special camp is required. Payment is required before your student attends.
Refunds or credits will NOT be issued unless a written request is received and approved by the Program Office. Registration will be available online through the ProCare platform.
All Special Camp fees include the cost of field trips, guest speakers, snacks, and special events.
Registrations submitted after the deadline will not be accepted and will be rejected.