6 Essential Reasons That Show The Importance of Before And After School Programs

Learning is a never-ending thing in life. Everyone is in a different type of school. However, the term “school” has a different ring, especially for children. The standardized school experience employs the same format across the country. But, as you begin to digest the different facets of before and after-school care programs, you will understand that there is a different kind of learning or school than what your child is used to.

Before and after school care programs have come as a breath of fresh air for many parents. Picture the millions of children who dash home when the 3 P.M bell rings to head home, where they will probably be by themselves until the parents arrive. However, this unstructured time can be dangerous for these growing minds, and certain unhealthy behaviours can start cropping up.

But if you enroll your child in school care, it will give you peace of mind while you’re aiding your child do their homework, learn, and have fun while they are at it. These after-school care programs will look for creative ways to turn aimless after-school hours into productive time.

Research shows that 1 in 2 children will improve their reading and math grades, 68% of the students will improve in-class participation and homework completion.

Without further ado, let’s see why these programs are essential.

• Creates a Sense of Belonging

It would be amazing to know that your child feels like they belong, especially among their peers. If your school or a local facility does not run the program, your child might find an opportunity to make new friends. The break from the usual cliques in school can be refreshing for them.

Even though the program is at school, it still is an excellent way for your child to interact with peers in a new setting. Your child will be included in the group in these programs since there will be more adult supervision than you find on a playground.

• Improves Social Skills

Most good programs will promote support, cooperation, and respect. This can help your kid feel more secure about starting a conversation or joining a game. The adult present will create an environment that will enable kids to make mistakes but learn how to take turns or stop interrupting.

• Provides Academic Support

Many programs will help your child do their homework. This can be beneficial for kids who find it challenging to do their homework or take too long to do it. After homework is completed, everyone will have a more pleasant evening.

However, it would help if you were keen as a parent to ensure that no one is doing homework on your child’s behalf. If there’s a challenge, discuss how to solve the problem with the aide.

• Makes Learning More Fun

After-school programs may also have computers and science projects that allow kids to work together in groups to make learning more enjoyable. Also, specific programs offer classes in areas like arts. So, if your kid is interested in music and drama, this can be an excellent time to explore those interests.

• Provides Safety and Supervision

Most kids will leave school at around 3 P.M., but the next three hours are critical in shaping their lives. Research shows that older kids are more likely to indulge in risky behaviour such as drinking, using drugs, etc., between 3 P.M and 6 P.M. Others can even be victims of certain crimes.

However, enrolling your child in an after-school program will help keep your child busy. This will keep them from engaging in dangerous behaviour. Plus, studies show that 68% of students will improve their behaviour and may get better grades.

• Build Confidence

If your child has learning challenges or lacks confidence, after-school programs may be more forgiving and welcoming than school. They are given the room to be themselves, and they feel that the stakes are not high. Your child will feel more confident to take more positive risks. Over time, this can lead to higher self-esteem.

The Takeaway

After-school programs will enable your child to step out of their comfort zone and become more confident. They will also have a chance to explore other interests. And if your child struggles to fit in the cliques in school, they can feel much better at an after-school program.

Contact us at MBS Kids Early Learning if you have any questions, and we would love to help you any way we can.