In today's difficult economy many parents have to work full time jobs. This can often leave them scrambling for good reliable child care. Most school children are out by three o'clock and many have several hours of unsupervised time before their parents get home. With this in mind many communities are wondering how to start an afterschool care program.
There are a number of factors that must to taken into consideration before any programs can begin. Typically a committee of local people get together to begin the planning process. Usually the first step is to survey the parents to find out what type of care is needed in the community and how many people are interested. Surveys can be sent home from school and distributed in places like the library and local health centers.
Many organizers use the internet to search for successful programs that they can model from. They are also able to communicate with the leaders of these programs to learn as much as possible. This is one of the most effective ways to minimize the early problems so often associated with setting up anything new. The established program personnel can serve as role models and mentors to help the new group get off to a great start.
Every program costs money and getting enough funds to hire staff, rent a building, pay for insurance and many other things can be an enormous challenge. Many people appeal directly to their local municipality or district to help with costs. There are also donations for the community, both individuals and corporate donations can go a long way. Fund raising will most likely be a big part of the running of a successful organization.
Securing the necessary funds to get the programs up and running is a huge factor that can also prove the most difficult. The organization team should have a finance expert on board to help them set up all their facts and figures. They need to account for the major expanses which are typically wages for the staff and insurance. They will also need to know how many staff they will need for the number of children attending.
Hiring professional staff is also an important consideration. The staff should all be background checked properly and in accordance with local laws. They should be experienced working with children in similar settings. On going training programs are also very important. They serve to keep everyone up to the moment with matters such as safety, leadership and organization.
Safety is undoubtedly the most important consideration for any after school programs. They must ensure that the participants are accounted for at all times. This often involves a sign in sheet so that the staff know who is in attendance. The building or facilities used should also be safe and provide a clean and healthy environment. Students should be able to choose from a variety of activities that will keep them engaged and enthusiastic.
Many programs have a time set aside for school work. This is often called a homework club and is available to all grades. The students can work individually or in small groups with a teacher or other trained person. Studies have shown that many struggling student experience tremendous benefits from working in these small groups and this should be considered when deciding how to start an afterschool care program.
There are a number of factors that must to taken into consideration before any programs can begin. Typically a committee of local people get together to begin the planning process. Usually the first step is to survey the parents to find out what type of care is needed in the community and how many people are interested. Surveys can be sent home from school and distributed in places like the library and local health centers.
Many organizers use the internet to search for successful programs that they can model from. They are also able to communicate with the leaders of these programs to learn as much as possible. This is one of the most effective ways to minimize the early problems so often associated with setting up anything new. The established program personnel can serve as role models and mentors to help the new group get off to a great start.
Every program costs money and getting enough funds to hire staff, rent a building, pay for insurance and many other things can be an enormous challenge. Many people appeal directly to their local municipality or district to help with costs. There are also donations for the community, both individuals and corporate donations can go a long way. Fund raising will most likely be a big part of the running of a successful organization.
Securing the necessary funds to get the programs up and running is a huge factor that can also prove the most difficult. The organization team should have a finance expert on board to help them set up all their facts and figures. They need to account for the major expanses which are typically wages for the staff and insurance. They will also need to know how many staff they will need for the number of children attending.
Hiring professional staff is also an important consideration. The staff should all be background checked properly and in accordance with local laws. They should be experienced working with children in similar settings. On going training programs are also very important. They serve to keep everyone up to the moment with matters such as safety, leadership and organization.
Safety is undoubtedly the most important consideration for any after school programs. They must ensure that the participants are accounted for at all times. This often involves a sign in sheet so that the staff know who is in attendance. The building or facilities used should also be safe and provide a clean and healthy environment. Students should be able to choose from a variety of activities that will keep them engaged and enthusiastic.
Many programs have a time set aside for school work. This is often called a homework club and is available to all grades. The students can work individually or in small groups with a teacher or other trained person. Studies have shown that many struggling student experience tremendous benefits from working in these small groups and this should be considered when deciding how to start an afterschool care program.
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