District 65 Child Care Program to Close This Year
Families using the 350-student service should explore external child care options as the district cuts the program.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Child Care
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Evanston District 65 is proposing the closure of its School Age Child Care (SACC) program at the end of the current school year. The move aims to save the district $400,000 annually, impacting 350 local students currently enrolled in the service.
Why it matters
Administrators argue that child care services fall outside the district's primary educational mission. This potential reduction is part of a broader effort to cut $20 million from the district's budget, forcing families to navigate alternative care options.
The SACC program currently costs $504 per child monthly, which would require a 35% fee increase to break even. Local alternatives include Right At School at $494 per month, McGaw YWCA at $495, or Skokie Park District care at $331.
The players
District 65 Board of Education
The local governing body responsible for overseeing public schools and setting educational budget policy in Evanston.
The details
District 65 currently operates its own child care, a rarity as only two of 25 area school systems provide such programs. Officials determined that the program is not fiscally sustainable at current rates, citing the need for a 35% fee hike to reach neutrality. Families losing access must now evaluate external providers or regional options to fill the service gap.
Timeline
The SACC program is proposed to close at the end of the current school year.
Kingsley Elementary closed at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
The Home Front
The potential closure reflects a shifting landscape where most area districts have moved away from managing direct child care operations. This change aligns with a trend where only two of 25 area school systems still maintain their own programs.
Families should review their current child care expenses and begin comparing rates for private or park district alternatives. If you rely on SACC, consider contacting the district office to stay updated on the status of the final vote regarding the program's closure.
The takeaway
Families should prepare for the potential end of district-provided care by researching local options, which range from $331 to $495 per month. Start by verifying if you are within the service radius of the Skokie Park District or other local providers as you plan your budget.
Further reading
For more on managing local childcare, see our guide to Child Care.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Evanston Now.
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Should public school districts continue to fund and operate before-and-after-school child care programs?
