AFTER SCHOOL programs offer children the opportunity to have fun, learn new things and be with their friends all in a safe setting. Most programs are located in the school gym, cafeteria or multipurpose room. They are equipped with a wide variety of sports and games equipment, art and cooking supplies, board games, a small library of books and magazines and comfortable rugs and bean bag chairs for lounging in. The group is divided according to grade level: third graders and up take part in AFTER SCHOOL Clubs. Kindergarteners through second graders are assigned to the BOOST (Building On Out Of School Time)  group. This allows for age-appropriate programming.

Children scheduled to attend the program on a given day are checked in by staff and only released to their authorized “pickup” person or allowed to walk home with parental permission. A tracking system ensures that staff knows the whereabouts of all children during program time.

Activities are varied and the children help decide what they will do. Most programs have a “routine” that consists of some time for free play or “choice” activities, a snack, time in the gym or outside and a staff-led project. Everyday there are opportunities for playing organized games or just shooting baskets in the gym. Weather permitting, some of the children may go outside to a nearby playground or park to play with their friends or take part in a game or nature activity. Other offerings may include art and craft activities, cooking, dramatics or science experiments. Children who need to do homework have a “homework table” where they can work undisturbed and get help from AFTER SCHOOL staff. Always there’s a quiet corner for children who need to unwind alone or with a friend.

AFTER SCHOOL staff consists of a site supervisor and one or more school-age specialists depending on the size of the program. Some AFTER SCHOOL employees are college students majoring in recreation, elementary education and other fields relating to children and youth. Others may be women or men returning to the work force after raising a family and/or retirement from teaching or other jobs. Site supervisors are chosen based on amount of experience they have working with youth and children and their ability to supervisor others. Many are long term employees with five or more years with AFTER SCHOOL. All receive orientation before beginning their work with the children and attend monthly inservice workshops throughout the year.

The AFTER SCHOOL experience helps children to develop new skills and learn to take responsibility for their choices. It allows them to continue their education and growth in a less formal setting than the classroom, all under the supervision of caring adults.