In today's difficult economy many parents have to work full time jobs. This can often leave them scrambling for good reliable child care. Most school children are out by three o'clock and many have several hours of unsupervised time before their parents get home. With this in mind many communities are wondering how to start an afterschool care program.
There are a number of factors that must to taken into consideration before any programs can begin. Typically a committee of local people get together to begin the planning process. Usually the first step is to survey the parents to find out what type of care is needed in the community and how many people are interested. Surveys can be sent home from school and distributed in places like the library and local health centers.
One of the most important components of good programs is flexibility. They hours and attendance should be on an as needed basis. The children may not need to attend every day, but only when their parents are at work. The hours and activities provided should also be flexible enough to meet all needs. There should be a mixture of sports and games, crafts, classes and educational activities.
Teachers, community leaders and sports coaches should also be part of the team. Parents can also add their input, thoughts and concerns. This allows for many different angles to be covered and the best possible plan put together.
Before the programs start there should be a number of meetings to inform the local families. These meetings should begin well ahead of the opening date to allow everyone access and an opportunity to sign up their children. The parents should also be given a chance to offer their ideas for classes and activities.
Hiring professional staff is also an important consideration. The staff should all be background checked properly and in accordance with local laws. They should be experienced working with children in similar settings. On going training programs are also very important. They serve to keep everyone up to the moment with matters such as safety, leadership and organization.
Safety is undoubtedly the most important consideration for any after school programs. They must ensure that the participants are accounted for at all times. This often involves a sign in sheet so that the staff know who is in attendance. The building or facilities used should also be safe and provide a clean and healthy environment. Students should be able to choose from a variety of activities that will keep them engaged and enthusiastic.
Many programs have a time set aside for school work. This is often called a homework club and is available to all grades. The students can work individually or in small groups with a teacher or other trained person. Studies have shown that many struggling student experience tremendous benefits from working in these small groups and this should be considered when deciding how to start an afterschool care program.
There are a number of factors that must to taken into consideration before any programs can begin. Typically a committee of local people get together to begin the planning process. Usually the first step is to survey the parents to find out what type of care is needed in the community and how many people are interested. Surveys can be sent home from school and distributed in places like the library and local health centers.
One of the most important components of good programs is flexibility. They hours and attendance should be on an as needed basis. The children may not need to attend every day, but only when their parents are at work. The hours and activities provided should also be flexible enough to meet all needs. There should be a mixture of sports and games, crafts, classes and educational activities.
Teachers, community leaders and sports coaches should also be part of the team. Parents can also add their input, thoughts and concerns. This allows for many different angles to be covered and the best possible plan put together.
Before the programs start there should be a number of meetings to inform the local families. These meetings should begin well ahead of the opening date to allow everyone access and an opportunity to sign up their children. The parents should also be given a chance to offer their ideas for classes and activities.
Hiring professional staff is also an important consideration. The staff should all be background checked properly and in accordance with local laws. They should be experienced working with children in similar settings. On going training programs are also very important. They serve to keep everyone up to the moment with matters such as safety, leadership and organization.
Safety is undoubtedly the most important consideration for any after school programs. They must ensure that the participants are accounted for at all times. This often involves a sign in sheet so that the staff know who is in attendance. The building or facilities used should also be safe and provide a clean and healthy environment. Students should be able to choose from a variety of activities that will keep them engaged and enthusiastic.
Many programs have a time set aside for school work. This is often called a homework club and is available to all grades. The students can work individually or in small groups with a teacher or other trained person. Studies have shown that many struggling student experience tremendous benefits from working in these small groups and this should be considered when deciding how to start an afterschool care program.
No comments:
Post a Comment