Children's Art, Recreation and Enrichment Services

C.A.R.E.S. Business office is located at
320 Salem Street
Wilmington, MA 01887
in the North Intermediate School
978-284-6111

C.A.R.E.S. MAILBOX: Enter the back parking lot and our entrance is at the far end of the building near the field. Follow the pathway under a set of stairs. Our office door is the second one in marked C.A.R.E.S. Our mail box is to the right of the door. If you need to see us please ring the door bell.

Program Coordinator, Patty Boggia  - [email protected]
Assistant Coordinator, Gina Haerer  - [email protected]

WELCOME! The Wilmington Public Schools C.A.R.E.S. (Children's Art, Recreation and Enrichment Services) provides children with a fun and enriching out-of-school experience. We focus on creating an environment that supports the needs of each individual child. The program was expanded to each of our schools for the primary purpose of providing a safe environment for our youth during out-of-school time. This safe, caring environment offers activities, which are designed to promote an individual child's physical, intellectual, emotional and social well-being and growth. The program comprises a range of activities, including outdoor play, arts and crafts, library time, cooking, movies, free play, computers, board games and puzzles. Children may also read a book, finish homework (grades 1-5), or simply enjoy quiet time under the supervision of our qualified staff.

PHILOSOPHY: This non-academic part of a child's day is crucial to his/her social and emotional development. Self-confidence, self-respect and self-definition are encouraged. Making choices, developing responsibilities, learning to express his/her needs and building friendships are important to a child's development.

ENROLLMENT: We serve approximately 200 children each day in our before-school program and 450 after school each day.

HEALTH CARE CONSULTANT: CARES Program Nurse is Aimee Gallagher, RN. Ms. Gallagher oversees the medical needs of the program and travels between sites on a regualr basis. Our health care consultant is Rebecca Brown, RN, BSN. She is available to provide consultation and on-going training for our staff on specific medical issues. She is also available to visit the sites on an on-call basis. In addition, most staff is certified in First Aid and CPR ; many are epi-pen trained, as well. In an emergency, we will call 911. Vacation programs are staffed with nurses based on availability. There may not be a nurse on site during all program hours. If this is a concern for you, please consult with our nursing staff at (978)815-1510.

COMMENTS: If you have any comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

The Wilmington Public Schools offers various programs throughout the year. Our goal is to offer programs which will accommodate the schedules of working families. CARES Before and After School Programs (school days) is for children attending Wilmington Public Schools, and takes place at the school building in which they attend. Vacation and Summer Programs are at a centralized location, and all Wilmington residents are eligible to attend (age requirements apply). There is a 2 day minimum requirement to enroll (School year CARES).