For many parents, external child supervision doesn’t end when the final school bell rings. After-school programs are an important part of many family routines. However, there are a lot of things to consider before deciding to send your child to a specific program. Activities, engagement level, educational aspects, and safety are all important considerations.

Finding the perfect after-school program for your child depends so much on your specific needs, the needs of your child, and what you want from the program. The search can sometimes feel overwhelming — millions of parents struggle with this decision every year. At Creme de la Creme, we’re experts in early childhood education, so we understand your concerns. We pride ourselves on offering exceptional and enriching daycare, preschool, and after-school programs. To have the utmost peace of mind about where you send your child for after-school activities, it’s important to know what questions to ask.

The Importance of After-School Programs

A good after-school program provides so much more than simple childcare. It’s not just a place where you can leave your children under supervision for a few hours. According to research by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time, participation in quality, structured out-of-school time activities provides several benefits to your children.

Social and Social-Emotional Development

After-school programs create the opportunity for children to interact with one another, learn to cooperate, and develop their communication skills. A strong after-school program will also foster an environment where a child’s self-confidence can grow along with their creativity and emotional resilience.

Physical Activity

After-school programs also provide an outlet for your child’s energy by having them engage in physical activity. Structured physical activity helps promote a healthy lifestyle early on and combats potential issues such as childhood obesity.

Academic Achievement

An after-school program can also provide an effective, structured environment for your child to tackle their homework and other after-school academic projects. The academic enrichment of a strong after-school program can improve school performance, leading to better standardized test scores and improved grades.

Essential Questions To Ask When Choosing an After-School Program

The questions you ask will depend on exactly what you’re looking to get out of the after-school program. Some aspects may be more important than others, depending on the needs of your child and your family unit. There are some areas, though, that virtually all parents will wish to know about.

Below are a few examples of essential questions to ask when choosing an after-school program, examining specific areas of concern:

What is the program’s philosophy?

You’ll want to know what a program focuses on and its area of specialty to know if it’s a good fit for your child. Does it emphasize academic achievement or hands-on learning? Is it geared more toward social development? At Creme de la Creme, we’ve worked hard to develop a balanced approach, incorporating the whole spectrum to ensure intellectual stimulation, creative engagement, and social connection.

What types of activities do you offer?

This will again let you know whether this is an environment where your child will engage and thrive. At Creme de la Creme, we have a diverse range of activities, from STEM exploration and art projects to cooking classes and outdoor play. We look to provide everything possible to spark a child’s curiosity while catering to their unique interests.

Is there a focus on homework help?

This is a big one for many parents. A lot of people look to after-school programs to help juggle work and their children’s after-school schedules. Our programs offer dedicated time for homework support, providing a focused environment for your child to complete their work with assistance on hand to help them where needed.

What is the staff-to-child ratio? 

A lower ratio ensures more personalized attention to each child, which is safer and more effective. The maximum ratio you should wish to see is at least one adult to every 15 children. We maintain effective ratios so our qualified and passionate educators can prioritize the well-being of your children.

What are your staff’s qualifications? 

The quality of the after-school program hinges on the quality of the staff. Our teachers are passionate educators, trained in child development, early childhood education, or a related field. All our staff also undergo rigorous background checks.

What safety procedures are in place?

If you’re leaving your child somewhere, you want to know they’ll be safe. We provide this peace of mind thanks to our strict safety standards and procedures, employing tools such as biometric fingerprinting to ensure only approved parents and guardians enter the building and sign children in and out and live classroom cameras so staff and parents can see that all children are safe and doing well.

Does the program accommodate children with special needs?

No two children are the same. We understand that children have different ways of learning and different requirements before factoring in special educational needs. This is why we take an inclusive approach to teaching and learning, with an educational program designed for all types of learners.

Do you offer transportation?

Transportation is one of the logistical concerns many families have when it comes to their child’s after-school routine. We offer after-school transportation to ease the load.

Child Care Like You’ve Never Imagined at Creme de la Creme

At Creme de la Creme, we have a clear purpose: building confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. We believe in nurturing the whole child and have developed programs to do exactly that. Starting at the preschool level, our curriculums and programs spark the curiosity of your child and develop a passion for lifelong learning, all while building their confidence and nurturing their social development.

To get the full Creme de la Creme experience give us a call at (866) 359-3715, or schedule a tour of your nearest location today to see firsthand exactly what we have to offer your child.

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