Rockland Daycare Proposes Rate Increase and Extended Hours
School Committee reviews changes to better serve families while district secures $1.2 million in federal grants
ROCKLAND - April 14 - Rockland Daycare is proposing a modest rate increase and extended operating hours to better serve local families. The changes aim to align with market rates while maintaining flexibility for parents.
Marisa Hoadley, interim director at Rockland Daycare, presented the proposal to the Rockland School Committee at their recent meeting.
"For the Rockland Daycare, it's tiered a little bit differently, mainly by classroom what we're looking for to raise the rates," Hoadley explains.
The proposal includes a 50-cent increase for the infant room, bringing the rate to $10.75 an hour. Toddler classrooms would see a 50-cent increase to $10 an hour, while preschool classrooms would increase by 75 cents to $9.50 an hour.
"Still comparable to other centers that are on the rate increase proposal as well," Hoadley notes, adding that registration fees would remain unchanged.
Jane Hackett, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, Finance and Personnel, points out that the daycare continues to offer voucher programs for eligible families, with "about 5 to 10 families" at Rockland Daycare currently utilizing vouchers.
The committee also approved a policy change to extend Rockland Daycare's operating hours from 4:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"We have a few families that could push from 4:15 to 4:30. So it isn't a huge difference, but something that would help a few families," Hoadley says.
One committee memebr notes the importance of this change, asking if it was based on "demand or recommendation."
"Yes, for people to get to work," Hoadley confirms. "8 to 4:30 was hard if you have an 8 to 4:30 shift at work."
The daycare's summer program will also see extended morning hours, opening at 7 a.m. instead of 8 a.m., while still closing at 4:30 p.m.
Dr. Alan Cron, Superintendent of Rockland Public Schools, highlights the significance of these programs to the district.
"This is a service. We're a public school district that operates a daycare. And the before and after school program is a service, and it strengthens our district," Cron says.
The daycare currently serves approximately 80 to 90 enrolled children, while the before and after school programs serve 150 to 175 students daily across the district.
Committee member Dr. Melissa Mauro-Small praises the responsiveness to family needs.
"Thank you so much for being so responsive to the needs of the students and the families," Mauro-Small says. "It's also so incredible to be able to have a service that does respond to the needs of our students and to our family."
In addition to the daycare updates, the committee received information about the district's federal grant funding. Hackett presented details on approximately $1.2 million in federal grants that support various programs throughout the district.
"There are five grants that come to us from the federal government. They're in two categories, IDEA, which is Individuals with Disabilities Act, and ESSA, which is the Every Student Succeeds Act," Hackett explains.
The largest grant is $700,000 under IDEA, which funds a part-time out-of-district coordinator, extended school year program, and $500,000 in out-of-district tuition costs.
Another $30,000 IDEA grant for Early Childhood Special Education partially funds a preschool teacher salary.
Under ESSA's Title I, the district funds four interventionists, including three reading specialists at Phelps Elementary and one math and reading interventionist at Esten. This grant also covers a homeless stipend, clerical salary, and contracted services.
Cron emphasizes the preventative nature of these positions.
"When you hear the word interventionist, it's something that, unfortunately, can be the first thing to go. But if it goes, then your costs elsewhere really go up," Cron explains.
Additional Title II and Title IV grants support effective instruction and student support services, including funding for the Bridges site coordinator.
Other items discussed at the meeting include:
* The School Committee reviewed the 2025-2026 school calendar, which features a unique two-week holiday break due to how the holidays fall that year.
* The committee approved a retirement luncheon scheduled for June 6 and an event pass program for retirees to attend school events free of charge.
* Rockland High School AP Psychology students presented demonstrations from their class, showcasing hands-on learning activities.
* The committee approved three new fundraisers: a National Honor Society Rotary Can and Bottle Drive, Class of 2026 senior lawn signs, and a Class of 2027 Spring Garden Fundraiser.
* Dr. Cron announced two upcoming mental health awareness events: a youth-focused program on May 6 and an adult-focused program on May 14, both at 5:30 p.m.
The School Committee unanimously approved the daycare rate increases and policy changes, recognizing the importance of these services to the Rockland community.
"I think it's a great deal, actually," notes committee member Michelle Bissonnette. "Watching friends and family go and find daycare, it's tough."