Families seeking before and after-school care should tour potential programs and ask plenty of questions. Programs can be found anywhere, from school sites to private child care centers, local churches, and stand-alone community programs.
Quality before and after school programs feature recreational activities and academic enrichment based on solid youth development principles. Parents should consider the following when choosing a program:
Location
When choosing a before and after school care Severna Park MD facility, the location is essential. Parents need to know that their children are close to home so they can drop them off quickly and pick them up when the program ends. A long commute or unreliable transportation can be a deal-breaker.
After-school programs allow students to cultivate their interests and skills outside of classroom learning and foster mentorships and a sense of community. These additional experiences can bolster student self-confidence and provide informal educational opportunities to complement their academic curriculum.
Located 39 miles from Washington, DC, and 17 miles from Baltimore, Severna Park is a thriving component of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.
Hours
Before and after school programs near me typically run from a few hours before or after the end of your child’s school day until about 6 pm or so, these programs can help parents with their hectic schedules by providing a safe and structured environment for children to engage in learning activities while away from home.
These programs also allow students to explore their interests outside the classroom, establish mentoring relationships, and develop a sense of community. These experiences can help students cultivate their skills and bolster self-confidence.
To find a quality before and after-school care program near you, it is essential to ask questions about the availability of these services. Depending on the program, it may be offered every day or only on certain days of the week.
Transportation
Many parents work full-time, so reliable transportation is a significant consideration when choosing before and after-school care. Most schools have a list of daycare centers, martial arts programs, and other after-school facilities that provide transportation from the school. You can also hire a private sitter to pick up your child or drop him off at extracurricular activities, such as a tutor or a local park.
After-school programs are beneficial for both students’ academic and social-emotional growth. They allow children to explore their interests and engage in informal educational experiences outside the classroom, fostering mentoring relationships and building self-confidence.
At Severn, students can access an entire support community that includes lower-school learning specialists, Upper School deans and counselors, and College Counseling teams. They learn that a strong spirit is found in minor acts of kindness, such as holding a door for someone or cheering on classmates during sports events.
Schedule
When you have narrowed your list of before and after-school care facilities, it is essential to check their schedule. You want to make sure your child can attend regularly. This will ensure they can participate in the activities and events offered by the facility. It is also a good idea to ask about the length of each exercise. Some programs last for a few hours each day, while others only meet for an hour once a week.
Before and after-school care can be a great way to help children develop their interests and enhance their academic performance, considering the tips above, you can find a before and after-school care facility that best suits your needs.
Fees
Depending on the program, fees can vary. They can include enrollment fees, tuition payments, health and vaccination requirements, and other policies. You should always know precisely what to pay for before enrolling your child.
The best before and after-school care facilities will provide activities that complement students’ academic programs and cultivate their skills. They will also offer additional experiences that enhance students’ social development and self-confidence.
They will help them develop mentoring relationships, increase their responsibility and communication skills, and become independent learners. These types of programs are vital for their future success. Contact them today to learn more about the programs offered by the before and after-school care near you. They will be happy to answer your questions.