First, a few facts;

Two-thirds of all American women are working by the time their first child is one year old, compared with only 17% four decades ago. Single-parent households, most of them headed by women, constitute a quarter of all U.S. families. Hence, finding excellent, affordable care is a major priority. These facts lend themselves to the “school-age” after school student population as well. (National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies)

Cost varies considerably when it comes to location, type of program, before school, after school or combination thereof. On site, turn- key programs can provide after school administration, supplemental teacher income, financial assistance and additional revenue streams within a safe, familiar setting for a successful, cost effective, extended day program.

                                           When I see I forget.

                                           When I hear I remember.

                                           When I do I understand.

                                                                  -Chinese Proverb

 As within the regular school day, reaching out to all “Learning Styles” is key when effectively making a difference in what your students take away from your after school curriculum efforts.  School agers are only in that program for a short time, and that doesn’t include all the necessary parental interruptions!

A balanced curriculum within your student age groups, touching on academics, enrichment and physical activities will help support monthly themes and those skills taught during the school day. Students are looking for variety and choices within a routine.  The curriculum should present opportunities to work in preferred activities involving games, imaginative play, structured clean-up, social interaction, language arts and mathematics.

Hands-on lesson plans that apply to family and community are a must whether you are putting forth your efforts within an “Interactive/Homework” structure or an “Academically, Curricular Based” program. Quality programs should emphasize learning that is fun and safe. You should feel confident in providing a seamless choice for parents in the same familiar setting that your students experience throughout the school day. Your partnership should lead to the most effective use of those after school hours when successful teaching and learning provides the springboard to a student’s success in life.

When you support a program that works with those students that participate, word travels fast through parental/teacher portals and your program will grow! 

A successful, cost effective program will help you maximize your after school instructional time while optimizing student learning.

Contributed by Alan Jones, Executive Account Manager, AlphaBEST Education, Inc.  AlphaBEST Education, Inc. designs and operates academically focused extended day programs that offer opportunities for elementary school students to learn, develop, explore, and have fun beyond the normal school day in a safe, educational environment.  Our safe, caring, child-centered programs meet the needs of families and schools. Our academically enriched extended day programs are interactive and engaging for children to promote life long learning. AlphaBEST's team of trusted educational professionals values their role in creating a well balanced atmosphere for children to build pathways to success.  To learn more visit http://www.alphabest.org. 

With childhood obesity and physical inactivity on the rise, concerns regarding how to address these issues in the early childhood classroom have also risen.  Educators are searching for engaging activities, lesson plans, healthy recipes, information for parents, and many tools that can be used to incorporate physical activity and nutrition everyday.  Encouraging a healthy lifestyle, good eating habits, and helping children to enjoy a variety of fresh foods can be made fun with creative activities and lesson plans.

Kaplan Early Learning Company recognizes that educators have limited time to create activity based learning, so our Special Projects/Publishing team has devised, “Activity Support Kit for Nutrition and Fitness” (item # 17281), to complement any nutrition and fitness curriculum. This kit includes activity cards, bouncy balls, colorful ribbons and scarves, three CDs with music and activities, and bilingual children’s books.

However, recognizing that there also is a need for teacher resources in this area, we are also introducing a new book set, “Nutrition & Fitness Resource Books (set of 6)” (item # 17513). This set includes six high quality resource books which feature a wealth of creative enjoyable activities for enriching the learning experience. These books include hundreds of activities to supplement your existing curriculum. These products will help you prepare your entire classroom for success! 

Another great resource for early childhood educators is the I Am Moving, I Am Learning (IMIL) project. This national award-winning project, is a proactive approach for addressing childhood obesity in Head Start children. IMIL seeks to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, improve the quality of movement activities intentionally planned and facilitated by adults, and promote healthy food choices every day. Learn more about IMIL here.