Finding the right after-school learning program helps you feel confident that your child is being cared for in a safe environment. The ideal after-school program should also nurture your child’s development and give them something to look forward to each day. Searching for these qualities helps you know when you’ve found the best learning program for your child.
1- Ask About Staff Qualifications
The staff members that your child interacts with each day should be someone that your family can trust. Make sure that the program performs a background check on every adult who works with your child. You should also hear that they are CPR and First Aid certified and that they attend professional development training throughout the year.
2- Inquire About Payment Options
Paying tuition each week or biweekly makes it easier to fit the payments into your budget. Since after-school care programs are less expensive than full-day ones, you’ll find it simplifies planning for child care. You’ll also enjoy seeing your tuition go toward amazing recreational activities that stimulate your child’s development.
3- Check for Summer School Opportunities
Needing to send your child to a separate place for the summer can make adjusting to the new routine harder. After-school learning programs that also offer summer camps eliminate this potential problem. Summer camps that also offer extended hours make it easy to help your child have an exciting school break that also allows you to continue your normal working hours.
4- Look for a Robust Activity Program
Theater, STEM activities, and art are all potential extracurricular activities that children enjoy. While the program may offer more activities during the summer to keep little minds busy, they should also include fun learning experiences on their school year agenda.
5- Make Sure the Location is Convenient
Many after-school learning programs take place on school grounds. Finding one that allows your child to easily transition from one part of their school environment to another helps to reduce stress. You’ll also find that having an after-school program near your home helps to streamline the pickup process on days when you have another caregiver picking up your child.
6- Find Out About School District Closure Days
Many school districts are offering more district closure days throughout the year, which can pose a challenge for working parents. Making sure that the program you choose is open on professional development days and winter break can help you avoid the last-minute scramble to find suitable child care.
7- See if Homework Help is Available
Trying to squeeze in homework time during a busy evening is stressful for children and their families. While every math problem might not be finished during an after-school program, it helps to know that a large chunk of the work is out of the way. Plus, your child will also likely come on with all of their homework finished on most days so that your family can enjoy the evening hours together.
When you find the right learning program, you’ll be able to tell by your child’s excitement about each new day. Filling your child’s afternoon hours with fun extracurricular activities and homework assistance helps them be successful at achieving their goals. As a final note, remember to look for a program that you can return each year to give your child a sense of continuity that helps them feel secure during school year transitions.
