Kewaskum School District Partnering with Kettle Moraine YMCA for Before- and After-School Care

Between late 2024 and early 2025, the Kewaskum School District issued requests for proposals (RFP) for daycare providers, more specifically, before- and after-school care at both of the elementary schools and summer camp/daycare services.
“A contract between Little Folks and the Kewaskum District had been in place and automatically renewed every year,” writes Dodie Sargent, owner of Little Folks School House, which has provided child care, including before- and after-school and summer care, within the district since 2000.
“They have co-existed with one other daycare and [the] Boys & Girls Club without any issues. They have been strong and consistent supporters in the community,” continues Sargent. “Little Folks School House has always been dedicated to providing quality care to school-age children and provided a safe and stimulating environment by offering a variety of activities that encouraged intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development, all while paying a high rent to the district for their space.”
“Sargent submitted the RFP, including background and experience, licensing reports, outlines for morning, afternoon and summer care, references, and many testimonials and recommendations,” despite one never being required the past 24 years.
On April 11, Sargent received a call from Superintendent Dr. Mark Bazata informing her that the YMCA had won the RFP and would be the district’s provider this school year.

At the May 8 Board of Education meeting, a motion was officially approved for a 3-year contract for before and after school care and summer day camp/summer childcare with the Kettle Moraine YMCA.
“The Kettle Moraine YMCA has a proven track record in many school districts across Washington and Ozaukee counties for having high-quality day care and summer youth programs,” explained Dr. Bazata. “Last year, the Kettle Moraine YMCA was a great partner for the district at FES (Farmington Elementary School) when the provider who was there dropped out in the middle of the summer. In a very short period of time, the YMCA came in with all the state requirements…and was able to provide our families at FES with fantastic programs and a very high level of care for our students.”
“We are very excited to start this new partnership with a valued community organization,” said Dr. Bazata.
The Boys and Girls Club will continue to be an option for before- and after-school care, as well, he shared.
“Kewaskum Elementary School parents need to know that Little Folks will not be providing care at KES this year and that other arrangements will have to be made,” stated Sargent. “There will be a limited number of spots available for students to be bused from the daycare to and from the school.”