The Sun Prairie City Council has approved funding for The Boys and Girls Club, so they are one step closer to implementing the after school program/community center for local youth (Rickert).

Other communities should follow suit to help make sure their youth have a safe space to go after school hours.

High-quality after school programs should have an emphasis on social and academic growth.

What Defines a High Quality After School Program?

Quality after school programs have an “understanding [of] the biological, cognitive, psychological, and social changes that mark the span of ages 5 to 14 is fundamental if after-school programs are to prevent negative behavior, promote healthy development and well-being, and include developmentally appropriate activities” (Board 7-8).

Quality after school programs include:

• Clear goals and intended outcomes.

• Content that is both age appropriate and challenging.

• Opportunities for active learning processes.

• Positive and safe environment.

• Adequate materials and facilities.

• Well-prepared staff.

• Culturally competent staff.

• Outreach to diverse groups of children and adolescents.

• Willingness to work with other community resources and partners.

• Parental involvement.

• Willingness to continually improve (Board).
  

It isn’t enough to simply set up an after school program, although that’s a step in the right direction. After school programs need to cater to the needs of all students and provide age-appropriate and culturally-relevant activities that will actually help students to continue their learning beyond the classroom.