The start of the school year brings lots of changes and fun. As kids head back to school, parents begin planning how to keep them active and engaged after school. High-quality after-school programs fill the gap between the end of the school day and when parents are finished with work.
High-quality after-school programs provide more than just safety and supervision. This type of care also provides engaging activities, homework help, physical activity, and so much more.
This article will explore how after-school programs keep kids active and engaged while they learn during the after-school hours. Contact the Little Sunshine Preschool team to learn more about our after-school program or to explore any of our early learning options.
What are Afterschool Programs?
After-school programs give kids access to high-quality care, education, and supervision. These programs are typically designed for school-age children who require care after the school day ends.
You may find after-school programs in your school district, private settings, or daycare and learning centers. A high-quality after-school program gives children and youth academic support, social and emotional learning, and adult supervision. This can help children stay active and avoid risky behavior.
Participating in afterschool programs can help young people make new friends, learn new skills, and stay physically active. This type of program provides valuable academic support while reducing the risk of unsupervised time.
What Happens in Afterschool Programs?
There are many different types of high-quality after-school programs. Some focus on sports and other areas of youth development, and some provide structured learning for the students attending.
At Little Sunshine Preschool, we offer high-quality after-school programs for elementary-age students. Our educators and caregivers provide a mix of structured learning programs, free play, and academic support.
Here’s an overview of what you may expect from a high-quality afterschool program.
Homework help
Caring adults and educators may provide structured learning, homework help, or other academic support. Kids can finish homework early so they don’t have to worry about it at home. This can free up evening hours for family time, relaxation, or other activities.
Physical activity
Many after-school programs encourage plenty of physical activity. Games, dancing, outdoor play, and other forms of recreation can keep kids busy and engaged in the after-school hours. Participating in after-school programs can keep kids from going home and turning on a screen.
Free play
Maria Montessori said that play is a child’s work. While many adults think of play as fun, children actually learn valuable skills when playing. An after-school program provides an enriching environment, caring adults, and other children to play with, which can combat boredom and keep kids socially inactive in the hours after school finishes.
Educational activities
Many after-school programs provide educational activities, including science, literacy, math, and more. Educators and caregivers create engaging, age-appropriate lessons to help kids learn valuable skills. Children continue to learn after the school day finishes, all while having fun with their friends.
What are the Benefits of Afterschool Programs?
Millions of children attend high-quality after-school programs through their school district, in a learning center, or in a private setting. Participating in after-school programs benefits children in many ways. Here are some of the most significant benefits of attending high-quality after-school programs.
Academic support
Children who do not have academic support after school can struggle to complete homework on time. They may fall behind, grow frustrated, or rely on busy parents to help them complete school work.
Having dedicated educators and caregivers who can provide academic support can significantly impact a child’s education and development. Children receive the support and guidance they need, and parents rest easy knowing their child’s academic needs are being met.
Physical activity
Many children spend after-school time on screens, becoming isolated and sedentary. After-school programs are the antidote to this. In an after-school program, kids participate in active games, sports, and outdoor play. They get the physical activity they need to keep their bodies and minds healthy–and they have a lot of fun.
Social and emotional development
Kids who attend an after-school program spend more time with peers and caring adults than kids who do not. They learn valuable communication skills, practice problem-solving, and develop better Cooperative skills through activities and play.
Community
Attending an after-school program can expand a child’s community. Attending a program outside their school district lets them meet many new friends and other caring adults. Parents can benefit from this, too, because they can meet other parents and discover new resources in the community.
Find an Afterschool Program
If you are the parent of a school-age child and need after-school care, reach out to the Little Sunshine Preschool team now. Our high-quality after-school program can keep your child active and engaged, all while learning after the school day finishes. Contact us now to learn more or to schedule a tour of our learning center.
