ABOUT THE PAL PROGRAM

Our program’s activities and events are planned based upon children’s interests, skills and abilities. These activities are guided by an understanding of children’s developmental needs – and all games, materials and equipment are developmentally appropriate, accessible and reflect all children’s interests. Our program follows a daily schedule that supports child-centered play and exploration, both indoors and outdoors.

A balanced schedule of both staff and child-directed activities are planned daily in the areas of arts & crafts, indoor/outdoor sports, and games. PAL encourages the children to become members of the homework club. Our homework club members are rewarded with prizes for their participation. Free time is set aside for playing, developing friendships and individual projects.

Who Does PAL Serve?

PAL was initiated to meet the needs of the elementary school-aged children (Kindergarten through age twelve) of York Maine’s working parents.

Who Owns PAL?

PAL is an independent non-profit organization which has a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community representatives and parents. Two fundraisers are done each school year to raise funds to support the program and for tuition assistance. Federal Tax I.D. # 01-0447337.

Before and After School Programs

PAL’s morning session is located in the York Village Elementary School (VES) cafeteria from 6:30am – until the start of school. Parents/Guardians walk their children to the VES cafe door, ring doorbell and sign them in, where they are supervised and involved in daily activities until the start of school.

Students attending York Middle School (YMS) will walk independently to school from PAL around 7:10am, as bus transportation is no longer offered.

Students who attend Village Elementary (VES) will walk to their classrooms when the bell rings. Students that attend Coastal Ridge Elementary School (CRES) are transported by bus to school from PAL.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 

PAL’s afternoon session is located in the Village Elementary School gymnasium/cafeteria and is open from school dismissal time until 6:00 pm.

  • Middle School students will walk independently from school to PAL.
  • Village Elementary students will be dismissed from their classrooms and go directly to PAL.
  • Coastal Ridge Elementary students are transported by school bus to the program.

A balanced schedule of staff and child directed activities are planned daily in the areas of craft, indoor/outdoor sports, recess, games, homework club and free time.

A snack is provided by P.A.L. Please pack your child a drink and/or refillable water bottle!

Contact PAL

For further information please contact the PAL Program at 207-363-1441 or contact one of our Co-Directors:

Where is PAL Located?

PAL operates out of the Village Elementary School at 124 York Street in York, Maine.

PAL PROGRAM

Located in York ME

CO-DIRECTOR CONTACTS:

For Registrations, questions/concerns & changes, contact Nancy Conrad: ThePALprogram@gmail.com

For billing questions / financial aid, contact Laura Gilchrest: lauragilchrest.pal@gmail.com

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

HOW TO REGISTER:

24-25 REGISTRATION FORM

PARENT HANDBOOK

CHANGE OF SCHEDULE

Print and return form to a staff member or email it to: ThePALprogram@gmail.com. Please see the section on schedule changes in the Handbook for more information.

SCHEDULE CHANGE FORM

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY FORM

DELAYS & CLOSING

  • PAL follows the York school schedule.
  • PAL does NOT operate during school vacations and snow days.
  • Should there be a school delay, morning PAL will be closed, afternoon PAL will resume as scheduled.
  • If school is cancelled for the day or there is a weather related/unplanned early release, PAL will be cancelled as well.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. You must first apply to Maine’s Childcare Affordability Program (CCAP) *Formally known as Child Care Subsidy Program CCSP

Please read more in our FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PACKET

Please contact Co-Director Laura Gilchrest with any questions: lauragilchrest.pal@gmail.com