Types Of Afterschool Daycare Curriculum

After school activities are the rage of the day but the importance of an appropriate daycare curriculum to structure these activities shouldn’t be underestimated. . It is impossible to ignore the growing popularity of these after school programs which cater for more than 10 million kids in the US and receive millions in funding. Everyone understands the need to develop new skills, gain more knowledge and keep the children safe when parents are working.

Healthy relationships between the children attending the after school and the adults running the program are key to success. Often, children may confide in an adult member who is in the unique position of being neither parent nor teacher. These kids are growing and changing and this type of positive emotional interaction is vital in helping them deal with personal issues.

Direct contact with professionals can be an inspiring experience for children and can have a very positive impact on them. Their wisdom, insight and experience will doubtless impress the children. Young people gain a lot of knowledge and experience when they deal with experienced adults and older youth who serve as teachers or mentors in these programs. Their unique position enables them to build the kind of relationships that will result in the kids drawing inspiration from their mentors.

After school activities that are managed professionally by people who are successful in their own fields of expertise will produce children who are more enthusiastic and successful. Simply being in contact with this passion and knowledge will produce positive learning results. Most after school activities can be broadly classified into three - recreational, educational and society-oriented. The final category generally applies when kids are older and have opinions on specific interests.

Increasing the knowledge of the child is targeted through educational activities. Different techniques are used to improve memory, general understanding and awareness. Examples of educational after school activities include intensive memory training programs and speed maths. Many subjects can be covered to improve the child’s general knowledge in addition to help with homework and reiteration of class work. Educational activities would seem to have the edge if you wish your child to achieve academically or if they simply need a little extra help.

Fine arts, sports, physical games, board games etc and painting are included in recreational activities. The main thrust here is to have fun. Inevitably a competitive element will appear as children become more proficient. Many sport events, competitions, stage performances etc are held to encourage the child.

When we compare the merits of the two kinds of activities, the recreational programs often have more meat. Firstly, children do not enjoy learning unless they themselves feel curious about something. Most academic programs are standardized courses that are not too flexible. They have a general purpose and a well laid out methodology. After a number of hours at school, the child may feel bored. Further study may overwhelm him and make him feel frustrated. Burnout is very much a possibility here.

Conventional academic learning is tiring and somewhat monotonous so a recreational program gives children a break, a change of routine. Physical activity and being outdoors in the fresh air energizes children and instils in them a wonderful sense of wellbeing. Patience, discipline and social interaction skills are learned through working in a team. Children who take part in such activities tend to get good results at school and are better all rounders. You need that break from the books in order to remain fresh and a fun game can often be what is needed.

Whatever program you choose for your day care, regular evaluation is the key to success. You will have to measure the children’s progress. If progress is unsatisfactory, you may need to modify your daycare curriculum. The child should also have the freedom to reject an activity if and when he feels bored with it. Generally, an afterschool daycare curriculum that combines the educational with the recreational is best suited especially for younger children. This way, children can have fun while they learn.

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- Fiona Lohrenz