BLAST Program


     

    About the BLAST Program

    The BLAST acronym stands for Before-School, Lunch, and After-School Time. While this new program focuses on before- and after-school supervision, "Lunch" is included to reflect our pre-existing commitment to supervising students during the lunch hour in all LRSD schools. Please note that lunch supervision fees are not included in the BLAST program's daily rate. These fees will continue to be handled separately by each school, as in previous years.

    A survey conducted by LRSD in Spring 2025 highlighted the need for children to have a safe place to go before and after school. The survey collected 2,936 responses from LRSD families, with over 1,200 respondents indicating an unfulfilled need for programming before and after school. We want to clarify that BLAST is a supervision program for school-aged children, not a childcare service. The LRSD BLAST program aims to support families in accessing supervision during these times and complements the childcare services available in LRSD communities. BLAST programing, which includes arts & crafts, indoor and outdoor play, and social connection before and after school hours, differs from childcare services which are curriculum based and licensed and regulated through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning.

    Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to enhance student supervision across LRSD. This will be a multi-year project, and school communities will be contacted as we increase capacity and are able to recruit and develop a skilled workforce.

    Current BLAST Locations

    • Archwood School
    • École Sage Creek Bonavista
    • École Van Belleghem
    • Niakwa Place School
    • Sage Creek School

    Hours of Operation

    7:00 a.m. – morning bell and dismissal bell – 5:30 p.m.

    Notes on Hours of Operation:

    • On early dismissal days, BLAST starts one hour earlier.
    • The BLAST program will not be offered on Professional Development/Administration days or holidays.
    • In the event of a return to remote learning, the BLAST program will not be available to students learning remotely. Parents/guardians would not be charged for days their child(ren) are away from the program.

    Cost

    $15.00 per child, per day

    The cost for the BLAST program is a flat fee of $15.00 per child, per day. Casual spaces are not available. The cost covers staff salaries, resources, games, activities, supplies, and a small snack for your child in both the morning and the afternoon. This program is not a licensed childcare program and is therefore not eligible for government subsidies. This program is offered by the division on a cost-recovery basis. Note that $10 a day childcare is only available through licensed childcare providers.

    Waitlist

    LRSD is currently not accepting additions to the BLAST waitlist at any schools. Waitlists will open in 2026.

    For More Information

    Contact us:

    BLAST@lrsd.net