FAQs
Countryside Children’s Center
191 Dedham Street Newton, MA 02461
C-Side: 617-964-6958 Upper Falls: 617-965-6434
C.C.C. Contacts
Glenn MacEachern - Executive Director (gmaceachern@cccnewton.org)
Jesse Crandall - Site Director Upper Falls (jcrandall@cccnewton.org)
Lorenzo Raponi - Site Director School Site (lraponi@cccnewton.org)
Jenna Ernst - C.C.C. @UF Program Coordinator (jernst@cccnewton.org)
Morgan Thompson - C.C.C. Kindergarten Coordinator (mthompson@cccnewton.org)
Bella Garcia- C.C.C. 1-3 Coordinator (bgarcia@cccnewton.org)
Countryside Children’s Center Staff - School Site
Lorenzo Raponi- Site Director (lraponi@cccnewton.org)
Morgan Thompson- K-3 Coordinator (mthompson@cccnewton.org)
Bella Garcia- 1-3 Coordinator (bgarcia@cccnewton.org)
Aidan Tager- Group Leader
Lauren Durkee- Group Leader
Marian Roewer- Group Leader
Kaitlin McQueen- Group Leader
Ariana Colindres- Group Leader
Alex Wong- Group Leader
Brett Manley- Group Leader
Caroline Coughlin- Group Leader
Countryside Children’s Center- Upper Falls Site
Jesse Crandall - Site Director (jcrandall@cccnewton.org)
Jenna Ernst - Program Coordinator (jernst@cccnewton.org)
Anthony Landrum- Group Leader
Susan Hatem- Group Leader
Gerard Wilson- Group Leader
Chris Suppe- Group Leader
John Purcell- Group Leader
CCC Parent Advisory Board
Craig Campbell - President
Craig Mulcahey - Secretary
Julie Winslett - Countryside Liason
Ryan Allen- Member
Nada Langellotto
CCC After School Program – Family FAQ
General Program Information
What is the mission of CCC?
CCC provides a safe, engaging environment where students can participate in extracurricular activities, build social skills, and develop independence.
What are the hours of operation?
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 2:50–6:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:20–6:00 PM
Early Release Thursdays: 12:10–6:00 PM
Is CCC part of Newton Public Schools (NPS)?
No. CCC is a private non-profit organization. We rent space from NPS (Countryside) and the City of Newton (Upper Falls). We collaborate closely with schools, but we are not part of NPS.
Is CCC licensed?
Yes. CCC is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). We undergo a comprehensive licensing process every two years and conduct annual, unannounced visits.
How many children attend CCC?
Countryside: 117 students (licensed capacity)
Upper Falls: 65 students (licensed capacity)
Total enrollment: ~180 students
How do I notify CCC if my child will be absent?
Please notify us through the ProCare parent portal, email, or phone. NPS does not notify CCC of absences or early dismissals.
Where do I pick up my child?
Countryside: Pick-up, please come to the front door nearest the auditorium.
Upper Falls: Pick-up is at the parking lot door.
Are you open on voting days?
No. Because both sites are polling places, CCC is closed on election days.
Can my child make up a missed day of after-school?
No. Enrollment is tied to your child’s registered schedule. Refunds and make-up days are not available.
Can I change my child’s schedule after registration is complete?
Schedule changes require Executive Director approval. As of 2024, CCC has a strict three-day minimum for enrollment.
What if my child has a medical condition or allergy?
Families must provide:
A current doctor’s action plan
Required medications in original, unexpired packaging
Two EpiPens (if applicable)
Children may attend only after all necessary paperwork and medications have been submitted.
Daily Schedule & Activities
What does a typical day look like?
Homework help
Snack
Kindergarten Theme
Physical activities & free play/Choice
During daily class time, students can choose from a variety of activities, including arts & crafts, gym activities, music, engineering, and STEM projects
Is homework time provided?
Yes. Students are supported during a daily homework block. If you prefer your child not to complete homework at CCC, please notify your Site Director.
Safety & Supervision
What is the staff-to-student ratio?
1:13 (not including Site Directors).
Are staff trained and background-checked?
Yes. All staff complete background record checks every three years and receive training in child safety, behavior management, First Aid, and CPR.
How do you ensure safety?
Secure check-in/check-out
Authorized pick-up lists
ID verification for all pick-ups
Emergency procedures & regular drills
Strict 13:1 child-to-staff ratios
Snacks & Meals
Are snacks provided?
Yes. We provide daily snacks, always including a fruit or vegetable.
Can I send my child with their own snack?
Yes, but please avoid foods that contain allergens such as peanuts.
Is lunch provided on Early Release Days?
No. Please pack a lunch on early release days.
Policies & Procedures
What is the late pick-up policy?
6:00–6:10 → $10
6:10–6:20 → $20
6:20–6:30 → $30
Who can pick up my child?
Only authorized adults (16+). Parents can update authorization via ProCare, email, or phone. ID is required at pick up
Can my child walk home?
Yes, if they are 9 years or older with written parental and staff consent. They may not check out younger siblings.
Are cell phones/electronics allowed?
No. To protect privacy and safety, phones, smart watches, tablets, and earbuds are not permitted. Families may contact sites directly:
Countryside: 617-964-6958
Upper Falls: 617-965-6434
Can my child attend on a day they’re not registered?
If space allows. Extra hours:
$32 for M/T/Th/F
$56 for early release
Please note: CCC is at full capacity most days for 2025–26.
Does CCC provide care on Early Release Days?
Yes, if your child is scheduled for that day. (Except on voting days.)
How do I pay tuition?
Monthly invoices are emailed. Payments can be made via ProCare or by check to:
CCC, 191 Dedham Street, Newton, MA 02164.
Failure to pay may result in removal from the program.
What is the behavior policy?
We expect respect, safety, kindness, and responsibility. If a child struggles, staff will redirect them, provide reset opportunities, or adjust the activities.