FAQ’s about the partnership:
1. WHAT IS CROP?
The Creating Rural Opportunities Partnership (CROP) is a consortium of after school programs for children in kindergarten through eighth grade operating in 14 of the 19 ONC BOCES school districts with assistance from 3 community partners. The program is funded by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers section. The program is based on need, including children whose families qualify for free and reduced lunch, children who may be academically at risk, children with disabilities, and children who may go home to an empty house after school. The main objectives of the program are to provide academic improvement for students, provide youth development and personal/social enrichment for students, and help working families by providing literacy and other educational related activities to families.
2. HOW DO I ENROLL MY CHILD?
To enroll your child, please call your school district and ask for the CROP Site Coordinator. This person will be able to assist you in enrolling and answer any questions regarding their CROP program.
3. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The CROP program is FREE…that’s right, FREE to families! However, the program is NOT state mandated and is run via an Education Department grant so PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PROGRAM!
4. WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM HOURS
The CROP program operates two hours after school (start times vary depending on each schools regular dismissal time) Monday through Friday. Twelve of the fourteen school districts run a summer program - hours and days vary by site so please contact each school district for details.
5. WHO MAY PARTICIPATE?
Currently the partnership is extended to children in grades K-8. CROP guidelines mandate that 40% of the student enrollment be children from families who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Preference in enrollment is given to students who commit to attending at least three days per week.
6. WHAT IF MY CHILD DOES NOT ATTEND ONE OF THE SCHOOLS LISTED ABOVE?
The CROP program, by definition, is for schools within the Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES district. Currently, the CROP program is partnered with 14 of the 19 BOCES school districts. If your child attends one of the schools NOT partnered with CROP, call your school to inquire if your school district may have another after school and summer program available to your children.
7. HOW CAN I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CROP TEAM?
Each CROP school has a site coordinator, several activity leaders and several peer tutors, all which are paid positions. Contact your school district for more information on employment. The program was developed to partner the rural communities in central New York with the school districts and students. If interested in volunteering, please contact your closest participating school for more information.
8. HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Visit the participating school or major partner webpage. Link to the school’s administration department, call the school’s main office and ask for the CROP Site Coordinator.
If you would like to speak to the CROP Program Managers, Christina DeCesare or Alicia Fish, call 607-267-4544.