Rutabaga aims to provide essential care options tailored to Thomas Mifflin families' needs. While public school funding uncertainties pose challenges—requiring significant time and effort to build these programs—any minor funding shift can potentially disrupt Rutabaga's vitality. We collaborate closely with Mrs. McConnell to navigate these complexities. For the upcoming school year, we plan to offer Before Care and School Break Camps (early dismissal and school closure days) throughout. After Care will be available until the School District of Philadelphia's program at Mifflin is established. We remain open to continuing Nature Arts After Care based on community interest, ensuring we provide staff with living wages and sustain our business long-term.

Like all our Nature Arts programs, Extended Care is child-led and screen-free, fostering curiosity and exploration. Before Care includes structured and unstructured play at the toy library, with time for children to eat their packed breakfast if needed. After Care emphasizes outdoor play and exploration, supplemented by homework support—a frequent request from families.

We aim to meet your family's scheduling needs while maintaining stable staffing and caregiving ratios. You'll select specific days for each booking term (monthly), and we strive to accommodate individual circumstances. Our goal is to balance flexibility with ensuring Rutabaga's operational sustainability and supporting our dedicated staff.

To maintain proper staffing ratios, we'll require monthly commitments for Before and After Care. School Break Camps (early dismissals and school closures) will be available on a drop-in basis, allowing you to book as needed.

Registration opens by early August. While we anticipate sufficient space for the first term, prompt registration helps us plan staffing effectively and ensures Rutabaga's continued growth and sustainability as a small business.

All programs offer a 10% sibling discount. Use code: SIBLING10

Rutabaga offers sliding scale enrollment fees through our scholarship fund, funded entirely from our program budgets since we do not receive government assistance. This makes our programs accessible to more families. No proof of financial status is required; simply review the guidelines and select the option that best fits your family. While our scholarship spots are limited, we strive to accommodate as many families as possible.

Sliding scale prices will vary -- $6-9 Before Care, $14-20 After Care, $25-30 Early Dismissal Camp, and $50-75 Days Off Camp.

If you are applying for a scholarship, complete this form (https://forms.gle/oKCHnwMjL3PuS5ec8) before booking your dates.

Yes! You have the option to pay the total amount due in full at the time of booking. Alternatively, you can choose our weekly payment plan option, and they payments are automated for convenience. The total bill must be paid in full prior to the 1st day of programming in the cart.

For greater installment flexibility, we recommend registering for each month separately. This allows you to break down your payments more evenly across the duration of the program.

To set up a payment play, just choose your booking dates and select Payment Play beside the Pay Now button at checkout. Follow the instructions to set up automatic weekly payments. If you need to make changes to your payment plan, please contact us at camp@RutabagaPhilly.com at least 5 days before the next payment is due.

All registrations are nonrefundable. Registrations are a commitment with staffing and materials planned well in advance. Cancellations + Changes can be accommodated with requests made in advance: 6+ weeks before the month, cancellations receive Nature Arts Credit, less a $25 processing fee. 2+ weeks before the month, cancellations receive Nature Arts Credit, less a $50 processing fee. OR switches can be accommodated, space permitting, less a $15 processing fee. Special requests due to extenuating circumstances may be considered, on a case-by-case basis.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances, like illness, may arise. However, similar to our refund policy, we count on enrollment fees to ensure our staff receive fair wages and maintain regular schedules. While we strive to accommodate significant circumstances that result in missed days, your booking represents a commitment to supporting the sustainability of our programs.

Please contact us directly to discuss specific situations, and we will do our best to find a suitable solution.

Yes! School Break Camp (Early Dismissal Camp & Days Off Camp) are open to all children, including those not enrolled in Extended Care. Kids from other schools are welcome too!

Before Care operates at the Rutabaga Toy Library, where you will drop off your child. After Care and School Break Camps are held at our "Camp Homebase" located at East Falls Presbyterian Church (corner of Vaux St. and Midvale Ave. in East Falls), where all pickups will occur.

Yes! We provide contact information for arranging late drop-offs or early pickups.

Yes, all Rutabaga staff undergo a thorough vetting process including state, federal, and child abuse background checks, along with careful evaluation of references.

We aim to spend time outdoors unless there's severe weather, moving indoors for activities like games, crafts, and snacks. Please send raincoats and extra clothes/shoes on wet days..

Our Tax ID # is 84-2366122. Additionally, all programming receipts can be generated from our new and easy-to-use online portal – FunJoin!