Background and History

For Kids Only has provided after-school child education and care, youth development, and educational programming to school-age children of working families for over 26 years.

Constance Grayson and Deborah Kneeland founded FKO in 1984. At the time, Ms. Kneeland was a working parent in need of child care. As an elementary school teacher, Ms. Grayson saw that many of her students did not have care or organized activities during the after-school hours. Seeing a community need for children, youth and working families, this parent and teacher joined together to begin an after-school child care program housed at the school where Ms. Grayson taught. Ms. Grayson has since assumed a position with the Winthrop Public Schools, while Ms. Kneeland is still employed with For Kids Only as the President and Executive Director.

Over many years serving children and families, FKO has built key areas of expertise. Especially notable are the following organizational competencies; supporting families, partnering with schools, community collaboration, and special needs inclusion.