In the hustle and bustle of daily life, before and after school programs have emerged as invaluable resources for setting students up for success. These programs go beyond just childcare, offering a wealth of benefits that contribute to a child’s overall development and well-being. By providing academic support, fostering a sense of community, and providing structure and routine, these programs play a crucial role in enhancing students’ academic performance, social skills, and emotional resilience. In this blog, we’ll explore how before and after school programs create a supportive environment where students can thrive.
Fostering Community
Before and after care programs are an incredible opportunity to help your child feel part of a community. If your child is having a hard time making friends at school or needs a break from socializing with those peers, a before and after care program is a great opportunity for your child to meet new people and socialize with a new group of people. These programs allow for more intimate social settings that can make forging new friendships easier. Even if your child has a great group of friends at their school, branching out to different programs can help them socialize with new people who are different from their current friends. Having the opportunity to build relationships with different people is a great opportunity to improve their skills when it comes to socializing and developing friendships. The more places that your child feels they are a part of a community, the better!
Provides Structure & Routine
One of the biggest factors that can set a child up for success is having structure and a reliable routine. Structure and routine allow children to know what to expect which creates a sense of safety and security. This feeling of safety allows for stronger social and emotional development. After-school care is a great way to provide that structure and routine for your child if their afternoons are often spent in different places. If your child spends some afternoons with family, some with a neighbor, and some with a friend, despite being in safe spaces they enjoy, the lack of consistency and predictability can still cause them to feel dysregulated. After-school programs provide a consistent childcare environment where your child knows what to expect, helping them feel safe and secure.
Provide Academic Support
Another important way before and after care programs help set your child up for success is through academic support. If your child struggles to keep up with their homework, an after school program is a great way to help your child get back on track. Whether they need help or just dedicated time to do their work without the temptation of their friend knocking on the front door or their gaming system calling their name, these programs provide academic support that can help set them up for success in the future.
Where Can I Find Before And After Care Programs?
If your child is in the Egg Harbor Township school district, then you’re in luck! The Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic County offers before and after care throughout the school year! Our Big PALs before and after care program accepts students from kindergarten through eighth grade. And Big PALs goes way beyond just homework help. We offer indoor and outdoor fun including STEM-related activities, laser tag, go-kart rides, gaga ball, nature walks, and a whole lot more! If you’re interested in enrolling your child for the 2024-2025 school year, you can do so on our website or give us a call to find out more information about the program!
Comments