The Council Rock School District Story: 20 Years of Partnership that Goes Beyond Child Care
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Council Rock School District
Newtown, Pennsylvania
UNDERSTANDING THE NEED BEYOND CHILD CARE
Twenty years ago, the Council Rock School District began a partnership that would prove unusual in the world of school programs, where districts typically switch providers every few years. Today, what started as trials at a handful of schools has grown into a district-wide collaboration that serves 540 kids weekly across all 10 elementary schools.
The district initially recognized that families needed more than basic supervision for their children. Parents wanted reliable before-school, after-school, and half-day kindergarten programs that would truly extend their children’s educational experience. “The quality of staff, resources available, the program, and cost were all things we were looking for,” explains Nicole Crawford, director of elementary Education at Council Rock.
The Council Rock School District leadership team identified several specific needs:
- Programming that authentically extends the learning day
- Consistent, high-quality experiences across all elementary schools
- Flexible programs for varied age groups, including specialized care for half-day kindergarten students
- Comprehensive operational management that integrates seamlessly with school facilities
They found their answer in Champions®, a partner capable of transforming traditional child care into purposeful educational experiences.
A PARTNERSHIP THAT DELIVERS DISTRICT-WIDE
What began with trials at a few schools, where kids jumped into fun STEM projects, crafts, and play while parents found comfort knowing their children were engaged in enriching activities, has evolved into something much bigger. Council Rock leaders focused on what truly mattered: well-qualified staff who could grow professionally, activities that reinforced classroom learning, varied resources that expanded horizons, and practical management that delivered consistent value.
This partnership now delivers:
- Equitable Excellence: Every child experiences the same high-quality program regardless of location and discovers the joy of learning with consistent support.
- Simplified Administration: District leaders gain valuable time by overseeing a single, unified solution rather than multiple disconnected programs.
- Family Continuity: When families relocate within the district, children transition seamlessly to familiar Champions programming at their new school.
- Community Connection: Residents can find rewarding jobs that bring their neighborhood knowledge into children’s daily experiences.
- Half-Day Kindergarten Support: Champions provides afternoon care for kindergarteners, allowing parents to choose either a half-day or a full-day care.
When we consider what makes Champions so special for the kids who join weekly, it’s really all about what it does for them. As Nicole Crawford says: “Students are safe and engaged in fun and meaningful activities.”
WHAT MAKES 20 YEARS POSSIBLE?
The longevity of this partnership stands out in a field where districts often switch providers every few years. Champions has become a trusted part of everyday school life, delivering real value to thousands of families who continue to choose this program for their children year after year.
For two decades, Champions has worked alongside Council Rock as a genuine partner, not just as another vendor. Together, they’ve built something that goes beyond typical after-school care. Their collaboration helps children learn and grow, gives parents the confidence that their kids are in good hands, and strengthens the whole community. The real success story? Seeing how thousands of children have blossomed, and families have thrived because both organizations put children at the heart of everything they do.