Parent Resources
It's really hard to find a program that is right for you and your child. Many young people leave programs shortly after joining because they aren't satisfied. Parents also are unhappy with the programs because they feel their children aren't safe. This is often because the right questions are not being asked about what is wanted and needed from after school programs. Finding a quality afterschool program is also about asking what a youth needs and wants. Below are questions that will help you determine the right program for your child.
Program Questions for Parents and Children to Discuss
1. What is the program about?
- Will this program help you learn new skills?
- Do you get to make choices about what to do?
- Does the program allow you to express yourself?
- Is there a chance for you to do something new and/or important?
- Can you build on a talent or interest you have?
- Does the program have a clear purpose that speaks to you?
- Does the program connect to the community and/or other organizations that you want to learn more about?
2. Think about the staff and whether you would enjoy being around them.
- Does the staff seem caring, friendly and prepared?
- Does this program give you an opportunity to meet new people?
- Does the staff encourage feedback from families and youth?
- Does the staff seem to work well together?
- Are the youth having a good time?
- Does the staff seem excited to meet you?
- Is the staff passionate about their subject?
3. Make sure to get all the information you need about joining the program.
- Do you have to pay to go to the program? Are scholarships offered?
- Is there an enrollment deadline?
- Do you have to fill out an application?
- Are there rules about how often you must come to the program?
- Are there eligibility requirements?
- What are the times that the program is offered?
4. Give the program location a visit before enrolling.
- Do you feel comfortable, safe and respected in the space?
- Is the space clean and well maintained?
- Is the location easy to get to? Is there a nearby bus route?
Homework Help
Learning does not end when the final school bell rings. Learning can take place formally in an after school or supplementary education program or informally through family and community activities. There are websites and tips to help students continue learning before and after the school day.
TeachableMoments- aims to encourage critical thinking on issues of the day and foster a positive classroom environment. This website is available at: http://www.teachablemoment.org/
Families play a vital role in educating America's children- What families do is more important to student success than whether they are rich or poor, whether parents have finished high school or not, or whether children are in elementary, junior high, or high school. This website is available at: school.www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/homework.html.
Other Resources
Activate Omaha Kids, in partnership with Activate Omaha is a community-wide coalition of concerned leaders and organizations in the Metro Area who have come together this year under the name of "Activate Omaha Kids" to address the challenge of childhood obesity, a growing local and national problem. Learn more about us.