6 Questions to Ask After School Programs by Rebecca Kelley l Parenting Advice l Parenting Tips l How to Raise a Good Student l After School Programs

As students have filled up their backpacks to begin another school year, there is a central conversation among parents and guardians regarding the quality of education their children receive at school. Part of those conversations should also focus on afterschool care, which is a prime opportunity for student enrichment.

Each afternoon during the school year, millions of students spend anywhere from an hour to 2.5 hours in an afterschool program. However, there are still more than 15 million youth left unsupervised in the afternoon, and parents should look to enroll their students in quality afterschool programs. The most effective programs nurture the whole child, and can offer impressive gains in cognitive, social-emotional and physical development – essential for creating the best opportunity for children to thrive.

This school year, the Y is asking parents and guardians to take a closer look at what their afterschool care offers to ensure year-long success for their children. The Y suggests that parents and guardians ask the following six questions when determining the best afterschool program.

Here are some questions to help you determine the best program for your child:

What are the staff’s qualifications?

Make sure the staff meets or exceeds state regulations and certifications, and that they have passed background checks. The Y works with all its certified teachers to make sure its afterschool programs enhance and align with strong academic content. Take time to observe staff in action. How does the staff interact with children? Do they engage in learning activities?

The best afterschool programs should welcome your questions and provide opportunities for you to observe and check in on your child’s progress.

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y nurtures kids and teens’ social-emotional, cognitive and physical development from birth to career. With well over 5,400 afterschool programs nationwide, Ys in partnership with schools work to help youth achieve and succeed in school all year round. For more information about afterschool programs available in your area visit ymca.net.