Expanding Possibilities: Lake Oswego’s Extended-Day Care
Client Spotlight
Lake Oswego School District
Lake Oswego, Oregon
400 Applications, 140 Spots
Families in Lake Oswego seeking before- and after-school care faced a frustrating reality. The district’s efforts to run its own program were hampered by COVID-19 disruptions and ongoing challenges to recruit quality staff. The result was a growing waitlist with no movement in sight.
As students returned to classrooms, the care gap intensified. Even with fewer enrolled children, staff shortages and high absenteeism persisted.
“We knew we needed more than a safe place for kids. We envisioned an experience that would extend each child’s learning day,” said Frank Luzaich, executive director of elementary programs. Determined to find a solution, the district explored third-party partnerships.
A Transformative Partnership
The district issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a partner that could breathe new life into its extended-day care program. Champions® stood out as the clear choice, sharing a commitment to educational enrichment, operational excellence, and accessible options for families.
“We saw the potential for a high-yield and low-maintenance partnership with Champions,” said Luzaich.
A District-Wide Solution
Together, Lake Oswego and Champions launched a program that now spans all seven elementary schools in the district, delivering consistent quality and scaled access.
Champions helped unlock:
- Expanded capacity: Giving engaging before- and after-school experiences to 340 children weekly and completely eliminating the waitlist.
- District-wide consistency: Offering aligned curriculum and easy transitions for families who move within the district.
- Comprehensive support: Providing on-site programs during seasonal breaks and on no-school days.
- Simplified oversight: Working with a single Champions team, making coordination smooth and efficient.
This partnership proves what’s possible when shared vision meets expert execution—redefining extended-day care and setting a new benchmark for enriching experiences that support the whole child.