Choose the Right After-School Program

Now that your child has started school, choosing a quality after-school care program can have a tremendous impact on academics, self-esteem and overall happiness and adjustment. So, what type of program is best for your kid? Here are some questions to consider when making this important decision.

• Does your child's school offer on-site after-school care? For many parents, this option is the most practical and simple, as no additional transportation is involved. In many instances, the child simply goes to the school's cafeteria, which is transformed into an after-care setting complete with activity stations, snacks, homework corners, activities and outdoor play. But, for some, this option doesn't provide the extra enrichment options or "fun index" many kids need and crave, so be sure to do your research.



• Do local daycares offer bus pick-up from your child's school? Many daycares specialize in after-school care, and some have even gone so far to woo parents and school-age children by building special "after-school" buildings that are separate from the regular daycare program. Playsets are built for older kids; lockers are included; snack, music and activities are age-appropriate; and the "fun index" is definitely built in. Kids meet at the daycare pick-up station at a school (if its offered), which then takes them safely and directly to the care setting. Some programs even entice parents by offering enrichment activities such as dance classes, sports camp, tutorials and other enrichment opportunities that time-pressed parents may struggle to build into their schedule.



• Are there options for neighbor after-school care? Some parents with kids close in age alternate after-school pickup and care to allow other parents time to work, pick up other children, or run essential errands. The rotation is set with a schedule, and the parent-in-charge provides a snack and goes through backpacks and starts any homework lessons. If all parents in the arrangement agree to the rules and cooperate fully, this can be an attractive option.



• Do you have family members nearby who can help out? For many families, relatives nearby are not an after-school option, but for some, this can be a relationship-building and cost-saving option. The downside to this option, however, is that children thrive on social interaction with their peers, and after-school settings with friends may be their only true time in the day to really just "hang out" and play.



• Are academics a concern or priority? Some after-school tutorial settings will also transport kids directly to their facility so that tutorials and homework help can be accomplished--all before a parent picks up a child at the end of the day. Other programs offer certified teacher assistance on site to help ensure that homework is done correctly and that spelling words or reading assignments are finished.



• Can carpool arrangements be made for enrichment activities?Dance can often be 1-1/2 hours and begin after school; the same time-span holds true for many sports, gymnastics, art classes, drama club and other activities. Many parents try and find another parent whose child is in the same classes, and arrange carpools. For working parents, it sometimes works well to be the one to pick up kids after the enrichment activities end and take them home and rely on the other parents to pick up after school and get them to the activity.



• Is there an in-home provider near the school who might offer after-care services? Many in-home providers are willing to tackle after-school care each day in addition to their kids in full-day care. This option works best with young children, such as kindergartners and first graders. However, some innovative providers watch older elementary kids by utilizing them as "helpers" to the young ones and have them act as assistants. The benefit is that the older ones help the younger ones, but are supervised at the same time. Look for signs posted around the school or ask your child's teacher if he/she is aware of any nearby in-home providers.

The key to overall safety and security, according to child experts, is to ensure a quality program with enthusiastic and qualified staff that keep a kid (whatever age) busy and happy. Above all, a youngster should have adult supervision after school and should never go home to an empty house. (What is known as "latch-key" kids.) Research shows that kids in their early teens or the "tween" stage--when parents determine after-school care is no longer needed--can get in trouble and be exposed to risk situations when left home alone, so finding some type of care is best for their safety and your peace of mind!