Over the years, I have seen many families face the dilemma of what to do for child care when their child, who has been going to the same daycare center for 4 years, will be going to elementary school.  If the center your child attends has a school-age after school program with transportation provided, it may be an easy decision but, if not, you will need to start your search for the perfect program for your child.

 

Start your search by asking neighbors, friends and family about which after school programs they are using and which programs they recommend. If you are new to the area, call your child’s school and they will have a list of centers where their students go. It could be local In-Home centers, Daycare centers, a local church, or they may even host a program directly in the school. Some counties have child care locator services. With your list compiled, all you need to do is find the right program.

 

Fortunately for you, competition in the after school market over the past few years has been a catalyst for all programs to step up their game. Programs that were once just a “Stay & Play” have had to change their ways to remain competitive. While recreation should be a component of the program, it shouldn’t necessarily be all that the children do. Family schedules are hectic, so one component to look for is homework time. With sports, boy/girl scouts, and various clubs, families have limited time together. If homework is completed in the after school program, it allows for more family time. Another component is curriculum. What curriculum do they use? Is it age-appropriate? Is it aligned with what they will be doing in the regular school day? How is it balanced with other activities? If it is a program that is housed away from the school campus, ask how the children are transported. Do the buses pick-up and drop off? Does the facility provide transportation via a van or bus? Do you even want your child being transported? Do your homework and visit each center so you can get a feel for the program. Make sure each program is clean and welcoming. How do the teachers speak to the children? What do they do on a typical day (schedule)? How long do activities last? How are different ages grouped? Do they have a current license? What kind of teacher turn-over do they have? Do they offer snacks? There are enough questions to make your head spin. How will you remember all of them? In order to simplify this process, you will need to tackle it the same way you would go about eating your average four-ton elephant, piece-by-piece. This elephant-sized task must be broken up into pieces in order for successful completion.

 

  1. Write down all available options (In-home, daycare center, program at school, etc.
  2. Write down a list of interview questions to include topics such as: health, safety and emergencies, daily schedule, hours of operation, availability, cost, learning opportunities, homework time, and teacher to student ratios… and ask for references! This step can be done over the phone or if you have time schedule a time to see the program (remember a picture is worth a thousand words!). It wouldn’t hurt to bring your child along.
  3. Check those references. Not only can you get additional information from another parent’s perspective, you can also get to know the other parents at the center.
  4. Ask your child for their input. After all, it is your child that will have to be there every day.

Remember that after all of your research, above everything else, you need to make sure your child is happy. But beware what you wish for. In a recent survey I administered to our families, I found one parent’s response that warmed my heart and made me laugh at the same time…

“My son is in 1st grade, and he cries and yells if I pick him up too early. He gets his homework done (most of the time) and he loves the art and free play-time. I wish it wasn't as much fun. Maybe I could get him home earlier :)”

 

 

Contributed by John Putnam, Director of Logistics, AlphaBEST Education, Inc.

 

AlphaBEST Education, Inc. designs and operates academically focused extended day programs that offer opportunities for elementary school students to learn, develop, explore, and have fun beyond the normal school day in a safe, educational environment.  Our safe, caring, child-centered programs meet the needs of families and schools. Our academically enriched extended day programs are interactive and engaging for children to promote life long learning. AlphaBEST's team of trusted educational professionals values their role in creating a well balanced atmosphere for children to build pathways to success.  To learn more visit http://www.alphabest.org.