One of the difficult aspects of managing the family schedule is what to do with the kids after school. Your kids probably get out of school a few hours before you get off from work. Therefore, you need a way to keep them safe and supervised until you can pick them up. There are probably several after-school programs in your community to choose from. Here are some things you'll want to consider before you pick the best one for your kids.
Transportation From School
You might find a program located on the school grounds so you won't have to worry about transportation. However, a school program might not fit your hours or your kids may prefer to get away from school after the last class. In that case, you'll want a program that offers transportation from the school to the after-school program that might be located in a recreation center or daycare center. Make sure you're comfortable with the type of transportation provided and the safety checks in place that ensure your child won't be left behind or exposed to strangers while in route.
Hours Of Operation
The biggest deciding factor on the program you choose might be the hours of operation. Some programs only run for a few hours since most people usually work until early in the evening. If you have unusual hours, or if you often have to work late, be sure to find a program that has flexible hours so your kids will be supervised and you won't be penalized if you're running late. This will save a lot of headaches if you can avoid scrambling to find someone to pick up your children at a specific time because the program closes too soon.
Types Of Activities
You want your kids to enjoy the after-school program you choose, so try to find something that fits their interests. While you may want a certain amount of time devoted to doing homework, your children probably want to run and play after being cooped up in school all day. Some programs offer structured activities such as soccer lessons or learning to play a musical instrument. Others are more relaxed and offer a playground so your kids can play however they want. Basic things to look for in a program include a snack, activity time of some sort, and a quiet time for reading and homework.
While these are important considerations, you don't want to overlook one of the most important aspects of all, and that's safety. Check the facility before you register your kids so you get a feel for how well the staff treats kids and how clean the facility is kept. Also, choose a facility with excellent security and safety practices in place so you won't have to worry about your kids while they're there. Looking for a great school? Check out Rainbow School, Inc.
