Increasing numbers of school-age children are in need of a safe place to spend their after-school time, which encourages and nurtures them through creative programs and a caring staff. If you are searching for a high quality school-age program for your child checkout the following:

Facts - The U.S. Department of Education in Working for Families and Children: Safe and Smart After-School Programs (March, 2000) list eight common elements in high-quality school-age programs:

• Goal setting, strong management and sustainability:
• Quality afterschool staffing:
• Attention to safety, health and nutrition issues;
• Effective partnerships with other organizations;
• Strong involvement of families;
• Enriching learning opportunities;
• Linkages between school day and after school personnel.
• Evaluation of program progress and effectiveness.

Action:

• Contacting local referral agencies
  1. Child Care Council in Syracuse, Phone (315) 446-1220
  2. Office of Children & Family Services in Syracuse, Phone (315) 423-1202
• Visit site(s) with your child
• Sample check-list of potential questions:
  1. Does the staff reflect the culture of your community?
  2. Does staff "play and nurture" the children they are caring for- or do they just "supervise" children?
  3. Do children have the opportunity to choose what they will do, how they will do it and with whom?
  4. Do the activities stimulate children? Are children learning? Time for homework?
  5. Do the activities help children develop new skills and are the activities developmentally appropriate?
  6. Does the staff know where all the children are at all times?
  7. Does the program encourage your involvement? Does the staff seem interested in your input?
  8. What is the ratio of staff to children? Does it seem that each child is given some individual attention?
  9. What is the holiday & snow day policy?
  10. What security measures or emergency procedures are taken to protect the children?
  11. Can the center provide you with references?
  12. Are children having fun!
• Check to see if you can qualify for Earned Income Credit as a special tax benefit from the IRS (1-800-829-1040).

• Keep lines of communication open between you and the staff