What You Should Know About Choosing an After School Program

After school programs have been proven to help children grow socially, emotionally and physically and to support a child’s academic work, which allows them to do better in school. After school programs can also prevent children from engaging in criminal behavior.

Here are a few items to keep in mind as you prepare to look for after school programs for your child.

Where do I begin to look?

Visiting Pittsburgh After School should always be your first place to look, or call 412-325-1500 to start your search. The website lists after school programs by category and location and is easy to search. Also, your child’s school, a neighborhood church, the library and the grocery store are all great places to start looking for programs. Be sure to ask other parents, teachers, your child’s school principal and others in your neighborhood about which programs they use or recommend so that you can make a decision based on what is reputable and available.

How do I know what a good program looks like?

There are many different kinds of after school programs – arts, recreation, academic and faith based – but the best offer fun and a positive learning environment. You might want to consider the following in your search:

• The program develops your child’s social skills
• Teaches your child to respect differences and cultural diversity
• Teaches your child to work and play cooperatively with children from other backgrounds and neighborhoods
• Provides age-appropriate activities to reinforce learning at school and fosters a love of learning

How much do these programs cost?

There are plenty of quality programs offered throughout the city for little or no cost. Don’t be afraid to inquire about scholarships or discounts when applying. You may qualify for partial payment or a cost on a sliding scale depending on your income.

What do I look for in an after school program?

The best way to get details about the best programs is to schedule a visit during the time that the program is in operation. You will be able to gain first hand knowledge about the program and see the staff and students in action. During your visit, be sure to think about and ask the following questions:

• Does the staff consist of responsible, caring adults?
• Do they have Act 33/34 Clearances? (These clearances check for history of child abuse as well as a criminal background.)
• Does the staff establish a strong partnership with families and communities to achieve academic goals?
• Is the program located in a safe environment? Are the rest rooms adequate and clean?
• Are snacks or meals being served? If so, are they nutritional?
• Are the children who are currently enrolled excited about activities and participating?
• Does the program coordinate learning activities with school lessons?
• Can your child attend before school and while school is on vacation? Is there an extra fee?
• What are the costs? Is there a fee to be paid if the child is picked up late?

Asking these few questions can help to determine if the after school program is right for your child and fits your needs.

Find more Before and After School Resources.

*Adapted from the digest “After School Programs for Urban Youth”, published by ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education.

A+ Schools
Pittsburgh's Community Alliance for Public Education
Regional Enterprise Tower
Suite 1850
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412.258.2660
412.258.2666 fax