Building Future Leaders: The Role of Structured After-School Activities

Structured after-school programs offer a myriad of benefits that extend far beyond simple childcare. They are crucial environments for fostering personal growth and development in children. Here are some key advantages of our After School Program:

Development of Social Skills

In the dynamic setting of our After School Program, children have the opportunity to engage with their peers in a supervised, relaxed environment. This daily interaction is vital for developing essential social skills such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. As they participate in various group activities and games, children learn how to express themselves, listen to others, and work together towards common goals, thereby enhancing their interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

Balance of Play and Learning

Our program expertly balances free play with more structured learning activities, creating a well-rounded experience that caters to the needs of all children. This balance is critical in helping children unwind after a structured school day while still providing them with valuable learning opportunities. For instance, the supervised homework hour offers crucial academic support, helping students manage their workload effectively. This not only alleviates evening stress for families but also reinforces learning in a supportive setting.

Physical and Mental Engagement

Physical activity is a cornerstone of our program, with daily outdoor time and a range of physical activities designed to keep children active and engaged. From structured sports sessions to more creative classes like fitness and cooking, these activities help improve physical health while also boosting mental well-being. Engaging in sports and physical exercises enhances children’s motor skills and endurance, while cooking classes and other creative activities stimulate their minds and encourage them to explore new skills.

This combination of physical and mental engagement is essential for the development of a healthy, well-rounded child. The structured yet flexible environment of our After School Program ensures that children not only have fun and stay active but also continue to learn and grow after the school bell rings.

Our After School Program is structured to offer a diverse range of activities that cater to different interests and developmental needs, ensuring that every child can find something they enjoy and benefit from. Here’s a breakdown of the typical daily activities:

Free Play and Creativity

Each day in our program kicks off with a session of free play, where imagination and activity collide to create a fun-filled atmosphere. During this time, children have the freedom to engage in various playful activities such as building forts, swinging on ropes, or participating in interactive games. This unstructured play is crucial as it not only fosters creativity and problem-solving skills but also promotes physical fitness and agility. It encourages children to interact spontaneously, negotiate roles, and make their own rules, which enhances their creative thinking and social skills.

Educational Support

Recognizing the importance of academic success, our program includes a supervised homework hour. This dedicated time allows children to focus on their school assignments with the assistance of experienced supervisors who are ready to help with any academic challenges. This support helps children manage their school responsibilities effectively, reducing stress and freeing up time for family interactions in the evenings. It’s an invaluable part of our program that supports educational continuity and success.

Coach-led Activities

To further enrich our after-school offering, we provide a variety of coach-led activities that are both engaging and developmental. These activities include a diverse array of sports and specialized classes like Fitness Class, Cooking Class, and a Survey of Sports. Each session is led by skilled coaches who are not only experts in their fields but are also passionate about working with children. They tailor activities to suit the children’s age and skill levels, ensuring that every child feels challenged and supported. This personalized attention helps enhance each child’s physical abilities, nurtures their interests, and encourages them to explore new areas.

Through this structured yet diverse schedule, our After School Program ensures that every child is engaged, learns new skills, and most importantly, has fun in a safe and supportive environment.

Our After School Program is designed to accommodate the schedules and needs of busy families while providing an enriching environment for children to grow and thrive. Here’s everything you need to know about the program details and how to enroll:

Program Schedule

The core program runs from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, perfectly timed to pick up right after school lets out. For families needing a bit more flexibility, we offer an optional extension known as the Walking Bus, available from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This additional hour includes a walk to a local park for some outdoor fun, followed by a drop-off service at home, making it convenient for parents who may work later hours.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

We are proud to offer a program that caters to a broad age range, specifically designed for children in Grades 1 through 5. Understanding that every child is unique, we also consider younger athletes for enrollment on a case-by-case basis to ensure our environment is a perfect fit for their needs. Additionally, for children attending nearby schools not directly served by our standard pick-up locations, we provide a pick-up service from the LIC fun bus stop, ensuring that no child misses out due to logistical constraints.

Registration Information

Enrolling in our After School Program is straightforward and hassle-free. Registration requires a commitment for at least a semester, ensuring that children have a consistent and stable after-school experience. To ease the financial burden on families, we offer the option to make payments in monthly installments. Furthermore, families enrolling more than one child can benefit from a 10% sibling discount, making it more affordable to provide this valuable experience to multiple children.

With a focus on fostering creativity, supporting educational achievements, and promoting physical fitness, the program is designed to enhance the overall development of every child who participates.

Key benefits of our program include:

• Diverse Activities: From free play and coach-led sports to educational support and creative classes, our program offers a variety of activities that cater to all interests and developmental needs.
• Structured Schedule: Operating from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an optional extension till 6:00 p.m., our schedule is designed to accommodate the needs of working parents while providing children with a routine that includes ample time for both play and learning.
• Inclusive Environment: Open to children in Grades 1 through 5, with flexibility for younger children on a case-by-case basis, our program is committed to inclusivity and accessibility.
• Convenient Pick-Up Service: With pick-up options from PS 384, PS 78, and the LIC fun bus stop, we make it easy for your child to transition from school to our program seamlessly.

We invite parents to consider how our After School Program can play a pivotal role in their child’s growth, not just as a convenient after-school option but as a valuable developmental opportunity. The program is designed to complement your child's school experience by enhancing their social skills, boosting their academic performance, and encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle.

Act now to secure a spot for your child. Registration is open, and spaces fill up quickly. Visit our website to register today or contact us directly to discuss how our program can meet your family’s needs. Let us help you make your child's after-school hours as productive and enjoyable as possible.