An after school program can benefit children from many different vantage points, backgrounds, and life stages. No matter your child’s interests or lack of interests, an afterschool program can benefit them. Below are just a few of the benefits of an after school program. CEF of Schuylkill County operates after school programs in Schuylkill County and help children in the central PA region grow and learn.
After School Programs Benefit Parents Who Work Late
If your child attends a school in Schuylkill County and your work goes later than when school lets out, it can be a safe place to fill the gap between work, school, and home. While some programs are offered in the afternoon or evening, some are held intentionally right after school to help cover transportation needs and provide adult supervision.
After School Programs Provide Social Benefits For Your Child
If your child is homeschooled, it can offer a multitude of avenues for your child to interact with others, both adults and peers. After school programs can promote positive emotional and behavioral growth for your child and a sense of security for both children and parents.
After school programs promote social interaction and help students develop very necessary communication and problem solving skills. Personal interaction to develop social skills is a very important aspect of a child’s growth and development that today’s youth need more opportunities to engage in.
After School Programs Get Your Child Offline & Plugged In
Many of today’s youth have ample opportunity to manipulate electronic devices. Much of their communication skills center around social media, texting, phones, and tv or videos. Their face-to-face interaction is limited. After school programs meet a wide variety of interests, needs and growth opportunities all in organized, supervised, and safe environments.
Benefit Of Academic Support In After School Programs
Many schools offer programs right at the school to provide additional academic support as well as tutoring and homework assistance. If your child is struggling in school it may be because of a lack of needed support. Some of this can be found in academic after school programs. Additionally, a lot of children who find a place to be involved and make friends typically perform better in school.
Whether your child needs academic support or simply friends, an after school program is a great place to find them both.
Programs After School Widen Your Child’s Experience
Most schools also offer many sports and music/band related programs and after school clubs. There are also programs that provide students with opportunities to explore and develop interests in different art avenues, crafts, drawing, music, drama, and dance. Some programs focus on computer skills and robotics.
Martial arts programs provide physical activity, control, and discipline while also instructing in self-defense. Many daycare facilities also offer after school care that includes supervised free play, informal and formal activities, and homework help. There are programs that focus on overall wholesome development, such as CEF® of Schuylkill County’s after school clubs and groups.
There are organizations such as CEF of Schuylkill County that partner with local school districts to offer programs such as Good News Club® after school. They also offer a variety of day camps and summer programs. These programs focus on spiritual development in a non-denominational format.
Local Church Programs
Area churches may offer programs that are open to everyone, such as youth groups, children’s programs, or Awana. Some of these organizations begin in elementary and continue through middle and high school youth groups. These groups not only offer students a fun time, organized activities, connectivity, belonging, adult interaction, and supervision, but also contribute to improved social and emotional health and improved self-esteem while imparting basic spiritual information and guidance.
Get Your Child Involved In An After School Program
If you are looking to get your child involved with an after school program in Schuylkill County, consider CEF of Schuylkill County. We have worked with children in your area for many years and have a history and integrity you can trust in. Our programs are in a variety of locations. Learn more about our Good News Clubs and CEF as a whole!