Considering after-school programs? Choose wisely

With school now in full swing, many parents are scrambling to find after-school care or extracurricular activities to occupy their children during the post-school hours. The academic success of our children is a top priority, but children also have a creative and active side that should be nourished. Children’s level of socialization also depends greatly upon their involvement and success in extracurricular activities, whether in sports, music, cultural excursions or other arts-related activities. We, as parents, want our children to experience a variety of activities.

There are various types of after-school programs. Some programs are sponsored and operated by for-profit businesses, and there are many more run by schools. Community organizations, churches, and government agencies — such as the parks department — also offer after-school programs. Some programs emphasize sports or the arts (dance, music, arts and crafts), and other programs focus on academics by providing tutoring in school subjects, assisting with homework, or integrating science.

All of these programs strive to provide safe places for children to have fun.

It is not financially wise to pay for every program that sounds interesting, so you either have to find a program that has a vast selection of activities or simply narrow down your options. In attempting to decide which activities are worth pursuing, there are a few things to consider:

• How much does your child enjoy the activity?

• Will this be a long-term commitment?

• Will this cause a conflict in your schedule?

• Does it fit in your budget?

• Is it easily accessible?

For school-age children, on-site after-school programs are a great option for identifying the best and most convenient extracurricular options for your child. This option is especially attractive for working families, since on-site after-school activities are often easier to balance with work and family life. Also, as children form healthy relationships with their teachers, participation in extracurricular activities with those same teachers will likely develop, which will allow the children to become comfortable learning and exploring during in-school and out-of-school hours.

Many after-school programs receive private grants and government funds like the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant (awarded to programs that provide academic enrichment for students attending high poverty/low performing schools) in order to provide quality programming at an affordable rate for working families. As a benefit of this funding, staff of the organizations receive training from education and youth development professionals via non-profit organizations like The After School Corporation and the Partnership for After School Education. This only adds to the professionalism of the staff and their ability to best serve children.

Non-profit organizations like the Police Athletic League of New York City and the Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation are two of the largest after-school providers in the city, serving all five boroughs.

Effective after-school programs benefit not only the children they serve, but their families and communities, by providing a safe, structured environment for the children of working parents. After-school programs also offer an array of activities that are not always available during the school day. If there is limited time, space or funding for physical education, art and music programs, after-school programs can offer kids the opportunity to run, draw, or perform.

A good after-school program has many benefits. It keeps the children safe, as well as busy. They burn off excess energy and explore their creativity. After-school programs help children develop leadership skills. They learn what it means to have good sportsmanship and why it’s important to be a team player. Overall, it helps shape the personality of a child. Children practice open-mindedness and how to be respectful of others, because that’s what is expected of them in the after-school environment.

It has been cited in many studies that after-school programs improve student achievement in school, as well as enhance test scores and work habits. By providing students with activities such as music, art, sports, and cultural experiences, after-school programs improve students’ social skills, give them confidence, and influence their educational and professional aspirations. Teens involved in extracurricular activities and after-school programs often take part in leadership roles such as student council. They learn the importance of volunteering and attending conferences. This helps them to grow as individuals, and helps them to be stronger candidates once college application time arrives.

In addition to after-school programming, during school breaks or days off from school, there are many options for day-long care or holiday camps available to children. These options vary from open play to music, art, sports, and cultural experiences. For example, many learning spaces, like museums, offer activities during the winter, spring, and summer breaks. A few of my favorites in the New York metro area are the American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. The programs offered at these venues are top-notch and will be unique experiences for your child.

Although extracurricular activities can be important aspects of your child’s development, try your best not to overbook. If your child attends programming Monday through Friday, try to leave a free day (or two) on the weekend. Remember, some of your family’s most memorable moments will occur unplanned and without a schedule.

Shnieka Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her website: www.shniekajohnson.com.

Links:

Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation

sasfny.org/?utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=misclinks&utm_source=article_body&utm_content=intra“>sasfny.org

Police Athletic League

http://www.palnyc.org/

21st Century Community Learning Centers Grants

www2.ed.gov/programs/21stcclc/index.html?utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=misclinks&utm_source=article_body&utm_content=intra“>www2.ed.gov/programs/21stcclc/index.html

American Museum of Natural History

www.amnh.org/?utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=misclinks&utm_source=article_body&utm_content=intra“>www.amnh.org

Intrepid: Sea, Air & Space Museum

https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

https://www.guggenheim.org/

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Snapology

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Get ready for the best summer ever! Snapology uses LEGO® bricks, K’Nex, and technology to teach children about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math (STEAM) - . Your kids can participate in camps and activities designed to build confidence and make learning fun.  While the kids are having fun with familiar themes, toys, laptops and iPads, we sneak in the learning! </span></div> </blockquote> <div> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">WHAT MAKES OUR CAMP UNIQUE?</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Build Confidence with Hands-On Learning</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Snapology offers a variety of programs designed to reinforce core competencies and curricula being taught at each grade level. Our programs can be customized based on the # of children, age of children, time allotment and/or other special requirements. We adapt to your goals and objectives.</span></div> </blockquote> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Social Skill Development</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Snapology’s flexible curriculum allows teachers to adapt to the needs of each unique group of students while allowing children to progress and explore at their own pace. The curriculum is designed to benefit all students - gifted, traditional, and non-typical learners.</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Certified Educators</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">All Snapology Teachers hold current Teaching Certifications and promote the creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while educating students on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math).</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Small Groups</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">1:6 teacher to student ratio. Smaller intentional camps for more engagement and personalized experiences </span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Updates via Class Dojo</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">During camp days, Class Dojo is used to update caregivers on how their child is adapting throughout the day. Message the camp leaders directly and request updates, photos, and videos, accordingly!</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Demand for small format camps is high and capacity is limited so don't delay. Enroll your child today!</span></div> </div> </blockquote> </blockquote>

Pocono Springs Camp

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, just 75 miles from New York City and 100 miles from Philadelphia, Pocono Springs Camp offers a unique concept in the world of overnight summer camps: a traditional co-ed camp experience in a 5-week program. Pocono Springs offers an extensive variety of activities and healthy challenges that allow campers to flourish. Campers have the opportunity to experience personal success, build confidence and independence, while creating lifelong friendships and lasting memories.</span></p>

Trinity School

<p dir="ltr">Come join us for another summer of fun, exploration and discovery. Our campers get to engage with each other in the following activities: Swimming, Golf, Chess, Lego Robotics, Art, Dance, Multisports and Storytelling (subject to change)…and of course, ice cream or ices every day! We will supply our campers with a daily snack but you will need to provide your own lunch. Come join us for a fantastic summer!!!</p> <p dir="ltr">Camp runs from 8:30am - 3pm.</p> <p dir="ltr">Session #1: Tuesday, June 20th - Friday, June 23rd (closed Monday 6/19th)</p> <p dir="ltr">Session #2: Monday, June 26th - Friday, June 30th </p> <p dir="ltr">Session #3: Tuesday, July 3rd - Friday, July 7th (closed Tuesday, July 4th)</p> <p dir="ltr">Session #4: Monday, July 10th - Friday, July 14th </p> <p dir="ltr"> Session #5: Monday, July 17th – Friday, July 21st </p> <p dir="ltr">       For more information, please contact:</p> <p dir="ltr">        Seth Goldberg,</p> <p dir="ltr">        Director of Afterschool Programs & Summer Coordinator </p> <p dir="ltr">        Ph: (212) 932-6849</p> <p dir="ltr">        E: [email protected]</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-849a3a81-7fff-34df-9c6e-6714b519a740"></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 2pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;"> </p>