Quality care offers school-age children healthy social and educational experiences led by trained staff in a safe and stimulating environment. Finding the "best" school-age care program for your child takes time, effort, and careful planning on your part. First consider your child. What are your child's interests? Does the program have the wide variety of activities it needs to accommodate all your child's interests?
Once you have researched what is available and affordable in your community, schedule visits with several programs. Ask plenty of questions - the more specific, the better. Have certain topics in mind you want to address. Staff from quality programs will answer your questions readily and openly. Ask to speak to one or two of the parents of other children who attend the program. Quality school-age care programs are accredited by national professional organizations. Ask your provider if their program has accreditation. Always remember to check references.
Below is a checklist which focuses on the characteristics of quality school-age care. Remember, many programs are not likely to meet every feature on the list - at least not at first. But by sharing and discussing this checklist with program staff, you can work together to improve the quality of your child's care.
Interactions
- All children are greeted and integrated into program activities upon arrival in the program.
- During departure, program staff take time to discuss childrens' progress with their parents.
- Staff respond to children in a warm and supportive manner (have relaxed, cheerful voices; smile frequently).
- Staff show respect for all children (listen attentively; treat children fairly; do not allow discrimination).
- Staff frequently initiate conversations with children, asking questions and encouraging social interaction.
- Staff never use harsh discipline; only non-punitive discipline methods are used. The discipline policy is available in writing.
- Program policies and procedures are shared with parents on a regular basis. There are scheduled parent conferences.
- There is a standing "open door" policy for parents; you are welcome to visit your child and the program at any time of day.
- Lines of communication remain open between the school-age care staff and the child's classroom teachers. A system facilitating communication between parents and staff is well established.
- Staff work well together and communicate regularly about children's needs to ensure that the program runs smoothly.
- Children attending the program are happy and enthusiastic. The are obviously enjoying their activities.
Environment
- Adequate indoor space is available for all physical, group, and individual activities.
- All play materials are readily accessible to children; they are sufficient, appropriate, and in good repair. All materials reflect the diversity of human experience.
- The furniture is suited to the sizes and abilities of the children.
- The outdoor play area is well maintained and suitable for a wide variety of activities.
- "Soft space" is provided for relaxation and comfort (cushions, rugs, bean bag chairs, etc.).
Health and Safety
- A written health policy is provided.
- Medication is administered according to precise instructions and only with written permission from parents.
- Staff observe proper health precautions when supervising a sick child.
- Emergency procedures are posted in the most visible locations.
- At least one staff member who holds a current first aid certificate incorporating CPR training is present at all times in the facility.
- All equipment is well maintained.
- Outdoor play area is fenced, cleared of debris and poisonous plants, protected from animal contamination, and inspected regularly for safety hazards.
- A telephone is available to school-age care staff at all times.
- Children are not permitted to leave the facility without prior parental authorization.
- Nutritious meals and snacks are served daily, and menus are posted for parents' information.
- Children's eating habits are discussed with their parents. Special needs, such as allergies and food restrictions, are accommodated.
- Washing hands is part of the daily routine before eating and after messy activities, outdoor play, and toileting.
- Staff have had a physical examination within the past two years as well as a yearly TB test.
Program Structure
- Children have a basic daily routine (arrival, snacks, activities, etc.).
- Several activities are available each day to meet the needs of all age groups.
- Children choose from a wide variety of games, materials and activities; there are opportunities for individual, small-group and large-group activities.
- The program utilizes community resources to enhance their activities (museums, libraries, fire departments, etc.).
- Staff play an integral role in the development of the program.
- Careful supervision of all children is a top priority. Appropriate adjustments are made for different ages and abilities (younger children are supervised more closely).
- The staff/child ratio is 1:15 or lower, as recommended for quality care. When children are grouped together for special events, the staff/child ratio increases proportionally (2:30; 3:45, etc.).
Activities
- Both indoor and outdoor activities are scheduled every day.
- Creative arts and dramatic play materials include musicalisntruments, puppets, crayons, paint, sering, woodworking materials, blocks, etc.
- Quiet activities and socializing materials include tapes, books, magazines, puzzles, playing cards, etc.
- Enrichment activities such as computer, gardening, dance, and music classes are used to support the development of basic academic skills and higher-level thinking skills.
Staff Development
- Staff meetings are held regularly to address administrative concerns, incorporate staff development activities and allow sharing of ideas and materials.
- Supervisors perform a written evaluation of all staff members in which the staff actively participate.
- Staff are trained in child care, child development or a related field, and they continue to receive in-service training on a regular basis.
- Staff have good character references and have undergone standard background checks.
- Regular staff conferences are held to provide supervision and feedback about job performance.
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