A well-designed after school program is more than just a means to occupy students’ time once the regular school day has ended. Participation can improve academic performance, build social skills, and promote emotional development. Read on to learn about the top skills kids learn during after school care.
Skills Taught In After School Programs
Children learn many skills and gain valuable benefits from after school programs.
Improved Academic Performance
Increasingly, research shows that being involved in an after school program can benefit students’ academic performance in the following ways.
- Better scores on standardized math tests: up to a 20 percentile point higher than students who are not in a program
- Higher grades in reading: 60% of students improved by five or more percentage points
- Increased attendance and graduation rates: 1.5% higher attendance at school and six percent more likely to graduate on time
A quality program creates an environment that makes learning feel achievable, exciting, and rewarding.
After school is a place for students to connect with their peers. 8 out of 10 students enrolled in after school activities said they felt more connected to school and experienced a deeper enjoyment of learning. Group play, guided social experiences, and team projects teach children vital communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that will help them throughout life, not just in the classroom.
Emotional Growth & Better Behavior
Participation in an after school program can improve behavior and emotional wellness. Additionally, consistent routines, mentorship, and leadership opportunities foster resilience and a mindset that is focused on growth. After-school activities also give your child an additional network of reliable adults they can count on if they are facing challenges.
Interaction With Others
As children grow, they need to be around both children their own age as well as older students who can mentor them. In an after school program, children get to interact and make friends with children from other grades and classrooms.
Responsibility
Another important life skill your child will learn in their after school program is personal responsibility. As children’s sense of responsibility grows, they will be more likely to finish their homework and turn it in on time and complete routine chores at home without needing as many reminders.
Physical Activity & Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Many after school activities encourage physical activity. Adopting a habit of regular physical activity at a young age will increase your child’s likelihood to keep enjoying these types of activites. It also encourages them to make good choices about things like the foods they eat. Better physical health directly correlates to mental and emotional health as well.
After School Program In Parkland, Florida
Parkland Children’s Academy is a preschool in Broward County, we provide curriculum-based programs for infants, two-year-olds, three-year-olds, and four-year-olds.
Why Choose Parkland Children’s Academy?
For grade-school-aged children, our after school program offers your child a safe and fun educational environment. Our preschool program consists of the following elements to help your child grow academically, socially, and developmentally.
- Convenient hours: We are open Monday through Friday until 6 pm, so parents can pick up their children after work, knowing that their child will be supervised and cared for during this busy part of the afternoon and evening
- Daily extracurricular activities: Varied and interesting activities help your child discover new hobbies and interests
- Dedicated and caring staff: Our teachers and bus drivers are well-qualified and are committed to students’ safety and success
- Free pickup from nearby schools: We provide safe and reliable transportation from your child’s school to our facility
- Hands-on curriculum: Your child will learn cooking, science, technology, and other subjects through fun and educational play
- Homework assistance: We have experienced and qualified teachers available to help students understand and complete homework assignments
- One-on-one communication: One-on-one communication between teachers and parents ensures that you can monitor your child’s progress
- Outdoor playtime: This decreases screen time and gives your child a chance to get fresh air and enjoy nature
- Safety and security: This is a top priority for our staff, and we have leading security measures in place
After school care at Parkland Children’s Academy gives parents peace of mind and gives students the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Contact us at 954-688-5877 for more information today.