NORTH PROVIDENCE — When elementary schools open this fall, children will be able to participate in a new daycare program for two hours before school begins and three hours after school lets out.

The KidsKlub will operate in the cafeteria at each elementary school, starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. Parents who choose to enroll their children will pay fees.

The School Committee selected the nonprofit KidsKlub program after soliciting bids. KidsKlub edged out a proposal submitted by the YMCA.

“I thought it was a good idea: instead of having the kids get on a bus, it would be right there at the school,” one of the leading proponents, Stephen Palmieri, said.

KidsKlub has programs in Cumberland, Lincoln and Woonsocket.

In North Providence, parents will be able to enroll their children for either the morning or afternoon session or both. Both sessions include a meal.

The cost of the program is $50 per child per week for the morning, $85 per week for the afternoon, or $115 per week for both sessions, according to KidsKlub founder Mary Ann Shallcross.

After school lets out, children will be able to play on their own indoors or outside, Shallcross said.

Sponsored activities include soccer in the fall and baseball in the spring. Children can also spend time on computers and participate in activities planned by their instructors, who also offer homework support.

A districtwide survey drew responses from 120 parents. About 146 children used various afterschool daycare programs this past school year, Palmieri said.

Shallcross said the program’s license requires two instructors on hand for up to 26 children. In some cases, three instructors will be on duty, she said.

mreynold@projo.com