Ranch House and Dakota Lodge
Before & After School Recreation Program
Ken-Caryl Ranch’s B&A Programs will coincide with Jefferson County Public School District’s in person learning schedule and will follow their COVID-19 related policies.
For questions or more information email Youthprograms@kcranch.org or call 303-979-1876.

KCRMD Before & After School Recreation Programs provide a caring, safe and fun learning environment. Students explore a wide variety of activities that develop learning, encourage imagination and promote positive social skills. Join us for exciting science experiments, cooking, art projects, sports, games, reading, homework help and more! We offer year-round care and provide full-day care on most early release days, school holidays and vacations. Pay the annual enrollment fee and then pay only for the days you need each month! Students are transported in KCRMD mini-buses each day.
We Serve Bradford and Shaffer Elementary Schools

Ranch House
7676 S. Continental Divide Rd.
Serving Shaffer Elementary, grades Kindergarten to 5th only.

Dakota Lodge
14422 W. Ken Caryl Avenue
Serving Bradford, grades Kindergarten to 6th only.

Community Center
1 Club Drive
Serving Bradford, grades Kindergarten to 6th only.
2023-2024 Before & After Care Info
Registration will open April 24th for KCR Residents and May 1st for Non-Residents. Please take note that several important changes have been made for the 2023-2024 school year program:
- Two Bradford program sites will be open for registration: Community Center and Dakota Lodge. This is pending enrollment and staff availability. If we aren’t able to offer both sites, Dakota Lodge will once again be the sole Bradford site. All participants registered for Bradford will have access to Dakota Lodge if it becomes the sole site.
- There will be a maximum amount of participant registration spots available per site. Once the max is hit, you can get added to the waitlist. If we are able to add additional registration spots, we will contact waitlist participants.
- Premier Option will be available-> In July, those registered in the B&A program, will have the option to opt into the Premier program. This allows for a locked in/guaranteed schedule for the school year. However, no refunds or credits will be given for any unused days throughout the year. The remaining availability will be open for those that don’t opt in monthly as has been done in the past.
- If you choose to opt into the premier program, and your child is a no show in excess, we reserve the right to void your premiere registration/schedule and you will be moved to the monthly registration.
- Monthly sign up will have a Residents and a Non-Residents registration window.
- B&A participants will no longer have priority for summer camp registration. In 2024, we will have just two summer camp registration windows: resident followed by non-resident.
- Ranch House-Shaffer Program Specific: Due to Shaffer shifting their start and end times for the 2023-2024 school year, we will NOT be offering before care. After care will still be offered.
Interested in attending THIS school year (2022-2023)? The Dakota Lodge/Bradford program is full for the 2022-23 school year. To register for the Ranch House/Shaffer program for the 2022-23 school year, please contact Lizz Brock at LizzB@kcranch.org.
2023-2024 Daily Fees:
Before School Only
- Resident: $21
- Non-Resident: $27
After School Only
- Resident: $21 (Bradford) $24 (Shaffer)
- Non-Resident: $27 (Bradford) $31 (Shaffer)
Before & After School
- Resident: $34
- Non-Resident: $44
Full Day
- Resident: $55
- Non-Resident: $72
Drop In Fees:
Before School Only
- Resident: $24
- Non-Resident: $30
After School Only
- Resident: $24 (Bradford) $30 (Shaffer)
- Non-Resident: $27 (Bradford) $34 (Shaffer)
Before & After School
- Resident: $37
- Non-Resident: $46
Full Day
- Resident: $58
- Non-Resident: $73
One-time Registration Fee – Single Child
$85
Residents
PER CHILD
$102
Non-Residents
PER CHILD
One-time Registration Fee – Per Additional Child
$15
Residents
$20
Non-Residents
Before & After Care Hours
Ranch House After Care Hours: 2:35pm-6pm
Dakota Lodge & Community Center:
- Before -> 6:45am-9am
- After -> 3:35-6pm
Full Day Hours: 8am-5pm
- All scheduled full day program days take place at the Ranch House location.
Registration
Registrations are accepted based on available space.
Helpful Program Forms
Weather Closure Reminder
2-Hour delay
- No BEFORE school for Ranch House and Dakota Lodge B&A programs
Full-Closure
- All Before & After School Programs closed for the day
- Art Ventures and Outdoor Discovery closed for the day
Contacts
Youth Programs Supervisor
Lizz Brock
303-979-1876, ext. 132
lizzb@kcranch.org
Ranch House & CC Program Coordinator
Anna Petterson
303-979-1876, ext. 111
annap@kcranch.org.
Dakota Lodge Program Coordinator
Victoria Ippolito
303-979-1876, ext. 472
victoriai@kcranch.org
Payments & Registration
Guest Services
303-979-1876
recreation@kcranch.org
Collaboration & Exploration
KCRMD Youth Programs’ Mission
The Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District Youth Programs collaborate to promote safe, enriching experiences for youth and families through educational exploration. As a dedicated team, we foster positive development and healthy lifestyles.