Parents Rachel DeGood and Rochelle Bright-Verstrate discuss what it has meant for their families

The Hawkeye Kids Before & After School Childcare program launched in August of 2023 for the first time in district history. A much-needed resource for Hamilton families was quickly filled and many couldn't sign up fast enough.

“It has relieved my family of a lot of stress,” said Rachel DeGood, parent to two Hawkeye Kids. “My husband and I both work construction and I work all the way in Grand Rapids, so I'm now able to work longer hours and know my kids are safe and taken care of.”

The program runs five days a week with before- and after-school hours and also runs during two-hour delays, snow days, and scheduled no-school days.

“I think this program has given Hamilton a wonderful opportunity to grow in a different way,” said Hamilton Elementary Hawkeye Kids staff member Heather Curtis. “This gives parents a much easier way to have kids before and after school and work whatever hours they need to.”

Hawkeye Kids also gets the students engaged with one another with games and activities both before and after school.

“My son stomps off the playground if I get here before the end of their games,” said Rochelle Bright-Verstrate, mother to two students at Bentheim Elementary. “They really love going every day.”

Not only is it fun for the kids, it's affordable. Hawkeye Kids takes into account average prices of childcare in the Allegan and Ottawa County areas and ensures it's a good choice financially for families.

“If you're thinking about Hamilton Community Schools, the Hawkeye Kids program is a great resource and has greatly improved my family's overall stress level but also, just think about cost. It's really affordable,” DeGood added.

Hawkeye Kids summer childcare will take place at Blue Star Elementary and registration is now open! Sign up today!