The increase in the value of the Family Support Component (CAF) at the Centro Escolar de Alcobaça is generating outrage among parents, who complain they were not warned or consulted about the change. The new value is associated with the change in the entity responsible for the service, which went from ABA – Banda de Alcobaça Associação de Artes to Associação Tempos Brilhantes, after a divergence between the two associations over the protocol review that regulated the service.
The change in entity resulted from the termination of the protocol between ABA and APEEACEA, which had been in effect since the 2018/2019 school year. In a statement, ABA, led by José Rafael Rodrigues, explained that the proposed changes suggested by the Parents' Association were not in line with their vision and values, and they declined the invitation to continue providing the service. The APEEACEA Direction, presided over by Eloísa Santos, responded that the aim of the review was to correct gaps in the protocol, particularly related to the support of children with Special Educational Needs.
Several families contacted by REGIÃO DE CISTER reported significant increases and lack of information. A mother of a 4th-year student stated she only learned of the new value on August 7th, with the monthly fee rising from 40 to 60 euros. Another mother, of a 3rd-year student, saw the monthly fee go from 55 to 90 euros. A third family saw the cost of the complete package increase from 836 to 990 euros.
The APEEACEA Direction assures that the price update aimed for an actual improvement in service quality, regarding conditions, materials, hygiene and safety, monitor qualifications, and inclusion of children with special educational needs. The association emphasizes that the new value was not a unilateral decision and that families were informed during the enrollment process, considering the complaints as isolated cases and the balance of enrollments quite positive.
