McKinley School-Based Site

Location: McKinley School

Grades: K-5

Times: 7:00-8:45am at McKinley School

Activities: Staff help kids start the day right with story time, games and other activities. Time is also available for students to pick up and eat school breakfast. Students must meet any FPS eligibility requirements for school breakfast. 

Program Start Date: September 8. Families who wish to withdraw from BSP are required to give two weeks' notice to the Membership Director. 

Tiered Fees: Fees are weekly, regardless of the number of days per week a member will attend.

Selected by family based on income. 

Rates: 

Tier A; $70

Tier B: $57

Tier C: $40

A WBGC Membership is required to participate in the Before School Program. 

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s Before School Program, serving 5 through 12 year olds, is exempt from the State of Connecticut childcare licensure as per the Office of Early Childhood. All Wakeman BGC programs adhere to the membership and safety standards set forth by Boys & Girls Club of America.

Location: McKinley School

Times: 3:15-6:00pm daily after school at McKinley School (1:40pm on Early Dismissal Days) beginning September 8, 2025. 

Activities: The ASP Program includes five days of activities per week for all participants and incorporates numerous high yield learning experiences in academics, Art, STEM, play and mentoring, including through partnerships with Apple and Mystic Aquarium. The Program at McKinley is a 21st Century Community Learning Center.  Students may register for as many days of ASP as they wish; students participating in the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program are expected to attend 4-5 days per week.

A WBGC Membership is required to participate in the After School Program. 

The After School Program is offered at no cost to low-income families.  Restrictions and limitations apply.

Location: Southport Clubhouse

Grades: 3rd-5th Grade McKinley Students

Times: 3:00pm-6:00pm. Bus departs McKinley at 3:25 and drops off to Southport Clubhouse.

Activities: A variety of activities in the Club's Gyms, Gameroom, Turf Field and Classrooms, including sports, STEAM, homework help and other activities.

Registration: Online only.

Program Start Date: September 2

Fees: Vary based on tiered fee options.  Click here for the Southport Clubhouse's After School Program Page.

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s after-school program, serving 5 through 12 year olds, is exempt from the State of Connecticut childcare licensure as per the Office of Early Childhood. All Wakeman BGC programs adhere to the membership and safety standards set forth by Boys & Girls Club of America.

Detailed program and fee information is available here. 

2024-25 Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free or Reduced Meals

Behavior Policy

Late Pick Up Policy

Health Assessment Record Sample

CDC Concussion Fact Sheet

Partnerships

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s Leadership, Resource Development Team and Professional Program Staff maintain a positive relationship with the Fairfield Health Department, Center for Family Justice, Fairfield Social Services Department, Fairfield Police & Fire Department, Sacred Heart University, Town of Fairfield First Selectman’s Office, Fairfield Office of Community and Economic Development, and CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs as well as local senators and representatives of the Connecticut General Assembly.  The Club also maintains a long-standing relationship with the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield. Collaborating partners include McKinley School, McKinley PTA, Scholar Athletes Serving Others (SASO), Fairfield Cares Coalition (Drug & Alcohol Prevention & Education), Fairfield Preparatory High School and Fairfield Public Schools Superintendent’s Office.

Policy on Partnerships

WBGC does not currently have any paid contractual partnerships serving the CCLC program at McKinley School. 

For established partnerships we will evaluate partnerships once a year pertaining to relevance, impact and goals and alignment with BGCA philosophy. 

WBGC considers new partnerships that will forward our philosophy and goals by actively seeking and carefully considering when approached. 

Accessibility Under ADA Policy

Under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) policy, all classrooms must be wheelchair accessible. This includes installation of an elevator in two-story school buildings. Additionally, ramps and handicapped parking are required for facilitating easy access to school buildings. Bathrooms must have wheelchair accessible toilets and a lowered sink. In lunchrooms, there must be wheelchair accessible tables. On playgrounds, many schools offer specialized equipment so that wheelchair bound children can use the playground and enjoy their recess freely.

Advisory Committee

Our priority for creating and implementing an advisory committee is to always put the needs of the students first, collaborating with school faculty, parents, Wakeman BGC staff and school administration. Meetings will be held the first of every month or the last week of every month. The advisory committee will consist of a school staff, parent, Wakeman BGC staff, WBGC Site Director and school administrators. It is not necessary, however, encouraged to have a parent be present for the meetings and on the advisory committee to give a perspective on child interaction with the enrichment and success of the program.

Program Sustainability

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s Program at McKinley is funded through various funding sources, including private donations and program fees.  Current or recent grants funding the program include: 

• 21st Century Community Learning Center funding
• Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention
• Mystic Aquarium STEM Mentoring
• Community Development Block Grant

WBGC continuously seeks opportunities and partnerships to increase funding for current programs, enhancements, new programming, and replace limited period funding.  WBGC’s Resource Development Office and Operations Team work together to identify and cultivate funding partners in its monthly Resource Development Meetings and ongoing conversations with potential funders.  WBGC also consults with Fairfield Public Schools for potential funding opportunities.  Potential funders are invited to reach out to Margaret@wakemanclub.org.

Great Futures Mentoring: 9th-12th grade volunteers mentor their K-5th grade mentee in a weekly two-hour session, spending time with other mentors and students for homework, life skills, social lessons, games, crafts, sports, and more. 

Volunteers must commit to a consistent day for a minimum of 1 season of the school year (fall, winter, spring) and 2 hours per visit. Mentors can volunteer at McKinley Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays 3:10pm-5:10pm.

All teen and adult volunteers complete an application, background check, orientation and training according to WBGC and BGCA policy.