Before & After School Care Program Services

Agency:	Weehawken township
State:	New Jersey
Type of Government:	State & Local
NAICS Category:	541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services 624410 - Child Day Care Services
Posted Date:	Jan 5, 2026
Due Date:	Mar 1, 2026
Original Source:	Please Login to View Page
Contact information:	Please Login to View Page
Bid Documents:	Please Login to View Page

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Weehawken Board of Education: Request for Proposal (RFP)

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAM SERVICES

The Weehawken Board of Education (WBOE) seeks proposals from qualified, licensed providers to operate a

comprehensive Before and After School Care Program for eligible students.

Scope of Work

The WBOE is requesting proposals for a Before and After School Care Program to support children from age 3

(Pre-K) through Grade 6.

● Contract Term: This will be a one-year contract for the 2026-27 school year, commencing on July 1, 2026,

and ending on June 30, 2027, with the option of renewal for two (2) additional one-year periods (2027-2028

and 2028-2029) upon mutual written consent of both parties.

● Program Location: All services must be provided within WBOE school facilities as determined by the

District Administration.

● Self-Sustaining Model: The program shall be operated as a self-sustaining, fee-for-service program at no

cost to the District. Proposers must clearly state if a revenue-sharing model with the District is proposed

and provide specific details.

Program Requirements and NJ DOE Alignment

The program must provide a safe, secure, supportive, and engaging environment that aligns with the educational

mission of the WBOE.

1. Licensing and Compliance (NJAC 3A:52)

● The successful Bidder must possess and maintain a current, valid Child Care Center License issued by the

New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJ DCF) for the entire duration of the contract, as

required by N.J.A.C. 3A:52.

● The program must adhere strictly to all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and codes,

including, but not limited to, those promulgated by the NJ DCF, NJ DOE, and local health authorities.

2. Program Components

The program must integrate two main, mutually reinforcing elements:

● Academic Assistance: Must include dedicated time for tutoring and homework support. This academic

component must be aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) and the pupils’

regular academic programs to assist students in meeting and exceeding state and local academic

achievement standards in core academic subjects (e.g., ELA, Mathematics, Science).

● Enrichment and Physical Activity: Must provide an enrichment element offering a broad array of additional

services, programs, and activities that reinforce and complement the regular academic program.

Activities may include, but are not limited to: diaper-changing, physical education, martial arts, dance,

music, drama, yoga, character education, and STEM/Robotics.

3. Program Accessibility and Inclusivity

● The Provider must make a reasonable and good-faith effort to accommodate all enrolled students,

including those with special needs, documented disabilities (IEPs/504s), and Pre-K 3 and 4-year-old

students, in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

● Program Hours: The program must commence immediately following the end of the school day and shall

be flexible enough to accommodate different bell schedules across elementary schools. The program

must follow the District's official academic calendar.

● Enrollment Flexibility: The program must allow for flexible enrollment options, including:

○ Registrations for 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5 days per week.

○ A flexible drop-in option for occasional support.

○ Multiple, safe pick-up windows/options for parents.

4. Safety, Security, and Emergency Protocols

● The Provider must maintain an active emergency protocol plan to address situations, including but not

limited to fire, medical emergencies, lockdowns, lockouts, and evacuations, consistent with District

procedures.

● The Provider must maintain a system (e.g., an external portable bell/intercom) that prevents the need for

District office staff to manage parent entry at pick-up time.

● On-site staff must carry an operational cellular phone at all times for immediate emergency contact and

communication.

Staff Requirements

1. Background Checks (P.L. 2018, c.5 & NJSA 18A:6-7.1)

● All employees and volunteers (paid or unpaid) of the successful Bidder who will have direct contact with

District students must complete a Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) and fingerprinting through the

NJ DOE Office of Student Protection (OSP), as required by N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1 et seq.

● The cost of all required CHRC/fingerprinting is the sole responsibility of the successful Bidder.

2. Staffing Ratios

● The program must adhere strictly to the minimum student-to-staff ratio requirements as established in

the NJ DCF Child Care Center Licensing Regulations (N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5) for the ages of children being

served. Proposers must clearly state their proposed ratios.

3. Qualifications, Training, and Professional Development

● Staff must be qualified, alert, and knowledgeable to address the needs of all students, including those

with documented disabilities and medical needs.

● Staff must participate in an initial training program and receive ongoing professional development

throughout the contract term. Training topics must include, but not be limited to: child development,

positive behavior support (de-escalation), program quality, safety/emergency protocols, curriculum, and

partnership building.

● Information concerning the staff training program, including topics, frequency, and delivery method, must

be made accessible to the WBOE.

4. Staffing List

● The successful Bidder must provide District Administrators with an accurate and complete list of all

employees working on-site two weeks before the program start date.

● The District must be notified of any changes to the staffing list prior to a new employee starting work.

● District Administrators shall have the right to conduct announced and unannounced program visitations

to assess program quality and staff adherence to required protocols and ratios.

Proposal Requirements

The proposal must succinctly and clearly address all items listed under the Program, Additional, and Staff

Requirements, in addition to the following:

1. Organizational Profile and Licensing

● Describe the firm's history, vision, and operational philosophy.

● Indicate the number of years providing services similar to those requested.

● Provide the organizational structure and organizational chart.

● Provide a copy of the current NJ DCF Child Care Center License, including the licensing agency name and

contact information.

2. Plan for Delivery of Services

● a) Enrollment: State the minimum enrollment required to operate the program and the plan for handling

schools that may not meet this minimum.

● b) Program Plan: Provide a sample daily schedule, a sample weekly lesson plan (including academic and

enrichment components), and a sample snack menu in compliance with Federal Smart Snacks Guidelines.

● c) Resources: Describe the plan for handling equipment, supplies, consumables, and furniture needed for

program operations (to be supplied and maintained by the Provider).

● d) Communication: Describe methods used to communicate regularly with parents (newsletters, reports,

informal conversations) and the District (Principals, Administration).

● e) Accountability: Describe the supervision plan and the method used to account for and track the

whereabouts of each student from the time they enter until they are picked up.

● f) Timeline: Provide a project timeline indicating all steps and time needed to establish the program.

● g) Conflict Resolution: Describe staff training and resources available for de-escalating disputes and

resolving conflicts between students, and between students and adults.

3. Financial and Fiscal Management

● a) Insurance: Provide all relevant insurance verification, including the dollar amount of liability coverage.

List all types of insurance carried.

● b) Affordability and Equity: Are you willing to offer a sliding scale of fees and/or scholarships for families

with demonstrated financial need who cannot afford full tuition? If yes, provide a detailed proposal for

implementation.

● c) Fees and Budget: Complete and include a Fee Chart. Note any planned changes to costs for renewal

years.

Additional Fees (Please List Separately):

● Before School (daily or drop-off rate)

● After School (daily or drop-off rate)

● A 4:30pm pick up rate and a 6:00pm pick up rate

● Annual Registration Fee

● Supply Fee

● Snack Fee (Must comply with Federal Smart Snacks Guidelines)

● Late Pick-Up Fee

● Cost Per Enrichment Program (Explanation required)

4. References, Disclosure, and Litigation History

● a) References: Provide at least three (3) current written references from other New Jersey school-based

services provided within the last five (5) years.

● b) Parent Satisfaction: Provide recent parent survey responses (current within two years) demonstrating

satisfaction with services, if available.

● c) Compliance Disclosure (Affidavit Required): Proposers must disclose, by way of affidavit, all legal

actions, claims, or litigation filed against the firm in connection with the rendering of student care

services, or any litigation alleging misconduct, discrimination, or sexual harassment, or any pending

disciplinary action or investigation by any local, state, or federal agency.

● d) Contract Termination: Has your organization had a childcare agreement terminated for convenience or

due to default in the last five (5) years? If yes, provide details.

Award of Contract

● Fair and Open Process: The process for awarding this contract constitutes a "fair and open" process

pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.7.

● Evaluation Criteria: Contract award will not be based solely upon the lowest bid but on the best perceived

value to the school district, students, and families utilizing the program. Evaluation will consider, but not

be limited to:

1. Program Quality and Compliance: Ability to meet the objectives and regulatory requirements

described herein.

2. Management Criteria: Review and analysis of staffing plans, qualifications, references, and overall

program management experience.

3. Cost Criteria: Affordability and structure of proposed fees to the District's parents, including

proposals for a sliding scale/scholarships.

4. Miscellaneous: Other factors demonstrated to be in the best interest of the WBOE.

● Decision Timeline: A decision on the award shall be made within sixty (60) days from the date the

proposals are opened.

RESPONSES DUE

NO LATER THAN March 1, 2026, AT 4:00 PM EST to Assistant Superintendent, Francesca Amato at

famato@weehawken.k12.nj.us

This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.

Before & After School Care Program Services

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