Philosophy & History

Our Mission

Kids' Club's mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and constructive environment for children. Daily activities provide enrichment and recreational opportunities. Kids' Club employs EEC (Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care) qualified staff members who support the goals of social and emotional well-being and growth, meeting the developmental needs of the children.

Program Philosophy

Children have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities every day. Weather permitting, outdoor activities are offered on a daily basis. All activities will reflect the mission of the program and the developmental level of the children. These activities will meet the children's needs for choice, recreation, enrichment, and understanding of diversity. Multi-cultural activities provide the children with information that fosters tolerance and teaches acceptance of others. Our daily activities promote physical, intellectual, emotional and social well-being, while also exposing the children to building literacy skills, involvement in community service projects, and ST.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts. Games will foster cooperation and conflict resolution. Monthly activities will be posted inside each classroom.

Kids' Club provides positive and consistent guidance to children based on their individual needs and development. Staff members at Kids' Club gain understanding of each child through observation and interaction. Staff meets regularly and discusses the needs of children in the program to ensure consistency in care.

Our Story

In June 1993, parents approached the town's selectmen and requested that the Town of Bedford administer an after school program. The Bedford Recreation Department School Age Child Care Program opened in September 1993, with the understanding that it be self-supporting through tuition. Our program was licensed through the Massachusetts Office for Children and accommodated up to fifty-two school age children housed in two rooms located in the Town Center building. In 2002, Kids' Club was recognized for providing quality programming by the National School Age Care Alliance. In 2010, our interior space underwent a total renovation, and in 2014, turf surfacing was installed to enhance our outdoor play yard.

Our license capacity has increased over the years to 246 children and now occupies six rooms in the North Wing of the Town Center Annex. In 2017, Kids' Club expanded again to meet the needs of a growing school-age population. Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders now participate in Kids' Club at Lane School.

Enrollment at Kids' Club for school vacation weeks and "Summer Fun" is open to non-resident children, Grades K-5, provided space is available and application for membership is completed and accepted.