Staff Shortages At PARA Prompt Changes To Extended Day Program

Tuscaloosa AL

29 August, 2021

2:05 PM

Description

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) says staff shortages have prompted a change in the number of students it can accept on a daily basis for its extended day program at Rock Quarry Elementary. PARA's Supervisor of Youth Program Johnathan Herbert said while the change does create an inconvenience for a majority of the families served by PARA, the top priority remains the safety and well-being of the children served. The program is open to ages 4-12. Click here to subscribe to our free Tuscaloosa Daily newsletter and breaking news alerts "We have had an issue in the past couple of weeks with parents instructing their child to attend extended day or directing their teacher to send them to the program without us having them on our roster, having the child being enrolled from the waitlist or receiving payment for the days attending," Herbert said. "This will not continue through the rest of the school year. It isn't fair to those who are on the waitlist waiting to be enrolled, it's not fair to my staff members, or to the youth program overall." Herbert then pointed out that the current capacity for extended day is 70 students, with that number being moved up to 85 starting this upcoming week. However, he went on to say there will no longer be a waitlist and encouraged parents and guardians to pay ahead of time. "Failing to make payments towards services rendered or holding a consistent negative balance longer than two weeks - while still participating in youth program activities - this year will result in an automatic expulsion from future activities with Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authorities Youth Program," he said. PARA says late pick-up will result in a late charge of $5 per 15 minutes. Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at [email protected].