The Children’s Trust 2010 Summer & After-School Programs Guide, offering parents and caregivers information they need to locate a fun, enriching summer camp or after-school program for their child, is available currently at all 72 Miami-Dade Publix stores. Look for them, while supplies last, in specially identified racks near the front of the store or by the customer service desk.
The free, trilingual guide provides a comprehensive overview of available programs, whether or not they are funded by The Children’s Trust. It also includes the following helpful articles in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole: Selecting the Best Summer or After-School Program for Your Child, Can’t Wait to Read! The Value of Volunteerism, and Get Out and About –For Less!
In addition to Publix stores, guides are also available at county commission offices, City of Miami Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) sites and at select public schools and churches.
Organized by geographic regions and zip codes, the guide’s program list includes addresses, contact information, fees, the ages of children served, and brief descriptions of more than 500 locations. Children’s Trust-funded sites are clearly identified with a “sun” symbol. They are operated by mostly non-profit and faith-based organizations, as well as city and county parks and recreation departments. Trust support allows many programs to serve families for free or at low cost but once that capacity is full, regular fees may apply.
The Children’s Trust is the largest funder of summer and after-school programs in Miami-Dade County, serving more than 45,000 children annually, including special and inclusion programs for children with disabilities.
An electronic version of the guide’s program list is available on line at www.thechildrenstrust.org. Supplies will be replenished at Miami-Dade Publix stores in August for the back-to-school rush. Families also may access the same information by calling The Children’s Trust Helpline at 211.
The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their futures.