If you are considering putting your child into after-school care, you have to choose a quality program. After-school programs should be fun, enriching, and safe. Participating in one of these programs can help your child develop socially, educationally, and emotionally.
While afterschool programs are highly beneficial for students, not every program is created equally. You want to make sure the after-school care you are choosing for your child is right for them. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to determine if an afterschool program in Pasco County is reputable.
When picking the after-school care program for your child, you should consider what activities they offer, how the environment feels, if they are inclusive, and whether they are accredited or licensed. Looking for these qualities will ensure that the program you choose is suited to your child’s needs.
What are the Benefits of Afterschool Programs?
Afterschool programs can help your child develop social skills, increase their literacy, and connect them with a community. They also give your child a safe space to complete homework and hang out with friends while you are finishing up at work.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, “regular participation in high-quality afterschool programs is linked to significant gains in standardized test scores and work habits as well as reductions in behavior problems among disadvantaged students.”[1]
The main benefits of participating in afterschool programs include:
- Improving development socially, emotionally, and physically
- Supporting learning and giving children extra time to engage in educational activities
- Giving your children more time to develop supportive relationships with safe adults
- Reducing the likelihood of risky behaviors
- Encouraging the development of community and service
During an afterschool program, your child will have more time to engage in social activities with their peers. They will play games, engage in sports, and even work on homework together. Spending more structured time in a childcare program will increase your child’s ability to focus on education, socialize with others, and gain support from trusted adults.
Choosing the Right Afterschool Care in Pasco County
While picking an afterschool program can be difficult, certain qualities indicate whether a program is reputable or not.
By using the following tips, you will be able to choose the right after-school program for your child:
Evaluate the Environment
When you arrive at the facility, pay close attention to your first impression. Does the environment seem warm and welcoming? Are the teachers and staff members interacting positively with the children?
The environment that the program sets will play a role in how well your child does in the program. If the vibe is off, your child will notice as well. You always want to choose an afterschool program that feels cheerful and supportive.
Ask About Activities
Ideally, after-school programs provide a healthy balance of fun and education. When you are assessing a program, you should ask about what activities the kids engage in. After-school programs should offer fun activities like games, puzzles, or outside time and quiet areas where children can work on homework they have from school.
Consider Inclusivity
Does your child have special needs or is your family diverse? Even if the answer is no, it is best to choose an afterschool program that is inclusive to all types of children and families.
Immersing your child in an inclusive environment will help them with their social and emotional development. It also helps them learn about different cultures, families, and needs.
Look for Health Benefits
After-school programs should have some sort of focus on health. This could mean providing nutritious meals or snacks. Your child should also have access to physical activities that allow them to expel energy and develop physically.
Bring Your Child for a Tour
There are many different types of after-school programs. What works for one child might not be right for you. Because of this, bringing your child in to tour the afterschool program might be a good idea.
During the tour, allow your child to get a feel for the environment, activities, and other children. See how they react and ask them if it looks like a fun place to hang out. If your child seems to have a good opinion of the program, it is probably a good fit for them.
Review Licensing and Accreditation
Lastly, you should always choose a program that is licensed and accredited. This means they have gone through a process to prove that their facility is operating under the national standards of care. Having an accreditation proves that the program is safe and supportive while offering necessary services related to education, social development, and physical safety.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Afterschool Program
If you are looking for an afterschool program for your child to attend, you’ve come to the right place. Little Sunshine Preschool offers a cheerful, vibrant, and inclusive afterschool program to children of Pasco County.
You can come and take a tour of our early learning facility to determine if it is the right fit for you. Our staff members and educators can answer any questions you might have about the environment, activities, and services we offer.
References:
- The U.S. Department of Education: Outcomes Linked to High-Quality Afterschool Programs
