kidsLINK spreads wings at Ophir Elementary School

Greater Gallatin United Way launches new after-school program in Big Sky

By Leslie Kilgore EBS CONTRIBUTOR

As most working parents know in Big Sky, finding accessible and affordable options for after-school childcare and educational programs has been a challenge. If you speak to families in the community, it’s a subject that has created much dialogue and concern for employers needing to hire those with families, and employees wanting to raise children in the area.

Now, as the community continues to grow, more support for working parents has increased as well which in turn provides families with more realistic opportunities to stay in Big Sky long term. One of the burgeoning programs is kidsLINK at Ophir Elementary, made a reality through a partnership with the Greater Gallatin United Way.

Established in June of 2023, kidsLINK was launched in response to discussions with Big Sky residents who had challenges finding affordable childcare for four- and 5-year-olds during the summer months.

Last summer, GGUW President and CEO Kimberly Hall worked with her team, Big Sky School District Superintendent Dustin Shipman, and several community foundations to secure space and staffing for a full-day, 10-week program that served more than 15 families in the area. After more input about the lack of options for young families, the program expanded again, adding 3-year-olds to the group.

“The Greater Gallatin United Way kidsLINK after-school program came together through collaborative efforts with funders, the school district and area partners,” Hall said. “We knew there was a need for consistent and fully accessible out-of-school-time care and know that school-based programs are successful.”

GGUW has established similar programs at a variety of elementary schools throughout Gallatin County. Their teams continue to see success for the families who partake in the programs and academic progress with the students who are consistently engaged and attending.

“With our model operating at 15 other elementary sites, we knew we could put a plan together with the support of Dustin and his team,” Hall said. “Because of the support of the foundations and the donation of space from the school district, this fall we will start the kidsLINK after-school program at Ophir Elementary.”

Commencing this school year, the after-school program will run from the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 26, to the last day of school in June, providing families with childcare and educational programming until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“GGUW’s kidsLINK programs use inquiry-based curriculum. It’s intended to be fun, exploratory and educational for the students,” Hall said. “Many of the themes are STEM-based—science, technology, engineering and math—but are tailored to meet the needs of our students. We want them to have an opportunity to expand their interests outside of school-based academics.”

Hall explained that kidsLINK is more than just a childcare solution, but an economic solution for the community. She hopes they can increase the available workforce in Big Sky by providing an additional after-school option for young families.

“Parents are making tough choices. Our hope is that this program provides relief to those needing support and that this program can be a catalyst for additional program support in the Big Sky community,” Hall said. “GGUW takes a collaborative and innovative approach in all we do. We want to continue to listen, respond, convene and collaborate to make meaningful change.”

Hall mentioned that studies show after-school programs can support higher academics for kids, better behaviors and critical social and emotional support.

 “As a parent myself and someone who uses the program, I know firsthand the positive impact this has for working families,” Hall said. “Last year our survey reported 90% of current kidsLINK parents could keep their current job working a full day and/or earn more because of kidsLINK. The children in the program also reported that they enjoy the program, are developing friendships outside the classroom, and feel they have an adult they can talk with at kidsLINK.”

With the high cost of living in the area, GGUW said they understand the importance of providing parents with a seamless opportunity to work, and in many cases, both parents need to provide income to live in Big Sky. Their goal is for kidsLINK to support parents in focusing on their careers, not worrying about childcare, and enjoying the lifestyle Big Sky provides for their families.

“In a community growing so rapidly, it’s critical to have a steady, well-supported workforce. Child care is critical to support a thriving community and we are grateful to be a partner and for the input and support,” said Hall. “We can’t do this work alone—it truly does take a village and we are just one piece in this giant puzzle.”

For more information and to enroll, parents can visit kidsLINK.org. For further questions, families can email kidslink@gguw.org or call 406-587-2194. The weekly cost is $50 per child, per week with tuition assistance available from funding partners.