Resources & Links for Parents

It can be difficult to find an after school 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 programs. Finding a quality after school program is about asking what a young person 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.

Do your children need help with math, English, or even writing college essays? Utilize the Omaha Public Library's Homework Help. This service is available 7 days a week with live tutors from 2:00 p.m. to midnight.

Teachable Moments aims to encourage critical thinking on issues of the day and foster a positive classroom environment.

Other Resources

Looking for an Afterschool program? Afterschool Resource Guide

Best Literacy & Language Arts Resources: English and Language Arts are fundamental for the growth and education of students at any age. By instilling in young learners the importance of reading and writing, it will open the window of opportunity and increase the level of success they achieve in a variety of different subjects.

Activate Omaha Kids is a community-wide coalition of concerned leaders and organizations in the Metro Area who have come together to address the challenge of childhood obesity, a growing local and national problem.

Think:Kids is a program in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital that trains adults in a revolutionary new way of helping kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.

Ready Set Learn! is an internet site promoting optimism, persistence, and resilience in children. This site helps develop the skills preschoolers need to get started on a livelong love of learning.

Fishful Thinking The Goldfish® brand partnered with Positive Psychology leader and mother of four, Dr. Karen Reivich, to create Fishful Thinking. Fishful Thinking is a program for parents that help them to raise children who have a positive attitude and can confidently tackle life’s challenges.

StickK.com stickK empowers you to better your lifestyle. They offer you the opportunity, through 'Commitment Contracts', to show to yourself and others the value you put on achieving your goals.

Feed The Pig This website is here to remind you to feed your piggy bank. The site provides fun tools, a quiz, tons of tips and other resources. They will all help you think through your spending and saving habits, identify ways you can start saving and commit to making changes that will reduce your debt and grow your savings.

A Thin Line and NotThatCool.com provides insight and information on the topic of cyberbullying as well as tips and methods for how to combat this new emerging type of harassment.

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

Project Appleseed supports parents in becoming more active in their children's education as well as fundamental education reform.

Communities in Schools is a nationwide network of passionate professionals working in public schools to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.