After school Care is more than day care

As a parent, you have to work to pay the bills for your family. You might not be able to be around your child as much as you or they may like, including after school. After all, in many cases, your child's school will end at two or three while you might not get off work until five or six. If your child is young, they can't stay at home by themselves. Rather than just leaving a babysitter at home, why not send them to after school care?

Children Need More Than an Eye

When you leave your child at home with a babysitter, then there is a high chance that they will spend their time relaxing or watching TV until you get home. If they have homework, then the babysitter can help them. In addition, they might be able to play with neighborhood friends. However, what's missing is hand-on experiences, structure play, extra learning, and time enrichment. While children might be alright at home, they aren't living their full potential. 

A child at afterschool care gets everything their mind needs to keep growing and having fun until you get home at night. They will be able to do their homework, go on field trips, play with others, and take part in activities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

Children Have Varying Needs

In addition to needing more than just an eye to watch then, each child has unique needs based on their development and age. At home, there is a chance that nothing will happen and they will be left to their own devices. At after school care, thought will be put into each day of activities by the teachers and program directors. 

The teachers and directors will take into account the age and abilities of each child so that they can get the most out of their time each day. If you have a five-year-old, working with legos to build a massive car might be too advanced. By the same token, a ten-year-old should not be coloring simple pictures. A teacher will know this and can make sure that each child will get what they need each day.

What Should You Look For in After School Care?

When you look for after school care, you should keep a few things in mind. In addition to this list, make sure to think about your own needs and circumstances.

• Keep in mind the child-to-staff ratio. The lower, the better.
• Look for the emotional climate. The care facility should have a positive emotional climate.
• Ask about the program. If the care facility doesn't have a clear program, that's a bad sign.
• Where are the teachers and the kids? Good supervision is a must in a childcare facility.
• Ask about the activities. You should be looking for activities that promote independence and choice.
• Does it match your schooling choice? The after school program should flow smoothly from your school style.

Overall, after school programs are a great way to make sure that your child is getting everything they need to grow into a strong and independent adult. As they reach an age where they can stay at home alone, be sure that they have learned how to take care of the home and their responsibilities. If you are looking for an afterschool care option in the Boise, Idaho area, check out Bodies in Motion today!



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