The Southland Public School District is continuing to take applications for its School Age Childcare (SAC) Program, a year-round program that provides a safe learning environment for children in preschool through fifth grade. It is held at the Southland Elementary School Library on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The purpose of SAC is to provide a safe, caring and educational environment, as well as “affordable and reliable child care for their families,” according to the SAC’s purpose statement.

The cost per whole day is $20 a child and $10 for each additional sibling.

The program accepts all children who register, but most of the 34 students currently participating are from the LeRoy or Southland area, and they are encouraged to be enrolled in the Southland School District.

Heidi Williams, coordinating supervisor of SAC, was pleased to learn that the Mower County Chapter of the United Way recently awarded them a $1,000 grant — the first grant this program has received since its implementation in the fall of last year.

“The money will go toward field trips and other activities for the kids and integrating with the Leroy-Ostrander School District as well,” Williams said.

Field trips may include visits to the YMCA, roller-skating rink in Brownsdale and House of Bounce in Rochester. But on a day-to-day basis, the schedule is pre-set.

“We have a strict schedule including lots of reading time and outdoor activities,” Williams said.

The SAC program will continue through the school year with the same hours, or as needed by families.

For more information, contact Heidi Williams at (507) 438-3697.