A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Appendix A
What Are Typical Costs?

The major costs most programs incur fall into three categories: Fixed Costs (the costs to "get the doors open"), Semi-Variable Costs (costs that depend somewhat on the size, scope, and hours of the program, but also involve some fixed attributes), and Variable Costs (costs that depend on the size, scope, and hours of a program).

Fixed Costs

• Utilities and rent: Most school-based programs are not charged for use of the building. To allow for custodial work, most schools typically stay open, lighted, and heated or air conditioned during the hours immediately after school. Schools which are not usually open for the summer may pay some additional costs.

• Maintenance and custodial service: Most programs pay custodians for extra hours of work; in many areas this involves paying overtime rates.

• Administration and planning: Depending on the extent of the program, a full- or part-time coordinator may be needed. Existing staff members may receive salary supplements for their extra time, while the salary for a new full-time staff member may be between $30,000 and $60,000 per year.

Semi-Variable Costs

• Support and instructional staff: The cost of support and instructional staff varies greatly according to the program's size and geographical location, staffing structures, and individual job descriptions. Some programs pay $20 per hour for part-time staff after school, or supplement the salaries of existing staff members to make them available during extended school hours. Programs can also complement their staffs by utilizing college work-study students or other paid college students (many programs pay around $6.50 per hour), senior citizens, interns, parents, AmeriCorps participants, or other volunteers. College work-study students who tutor younger children to read may be available at virtually no cost to after-school, weekend, and summer programs.

Variable Costs

• Materials: These costs are the most variable because of the range of possible offerings. Participants typically pay for materials at cost for art and recreation programs. Tutoring programs are very inexpensive and may not require any additional materials, although training and coordination of the tutors are important. A modern computer lab could create a one-time cost of more than $40,000.

• Transportation: Many programs report paying few additional costs for transportation: some parents are able to pick up their children after school when the school day is extended to match the parents' work day, or in heavily populated urban areas, students may already walk to and from school. Programs that do provide transportation report that costs vary according to how many kids participate and how geographically dispersed they are. After-school transportation costs for two schools in high-cost suburban areas are around $25 per hour for bus drivers and $1.00 per mile (which includes fuel and maintenance). School buses usually accommodate 45-60 elementary-age children. If, for example, a bus covers a 30 mile area and drives for an hour, the per child cost would be about $1.00 per trip.

[Other Federal Resources that Can Support Community Learning Centers]

[Appendix B: A Community Learning Center Budget Worksheet ]