Young people need positive, structured activities
after school.
Teens spend less than 20% of their waking hours
in school. The hours before and after school, summer vacation
and other vacations make up the rest of their time. This is time
when they could be getting in trouble without adult supervision.
Or they could be involved in something positive, where they can
gain skills and learn. Research has shown that quality after-school
programs help your pre-teen or teen grow socially, emotionally
and academically. Well-run programs support young people's learning
and help them do better in school. Teens in quality after school
programs are also less likely to smoke, drink alcohol and use
drugs and are less likely to engage in criminal behavior.*Find
an after-school program or activity for your pre-teen or teen.
You will be more at ease, knowing they are safe doing something
rewarding.
Find an after-school program or activity
for your pre-teen or teen. You will be more at ease, knowing they
are safe doing something rewarding.
- Talk to your teens about what they want to
do after school and explore all the options. There are many
after-school programs to choose from, especially for middle-school
age kids. Some programs are in community centers or agencies.
Some after-school programs are in middle schools. Also, most
high schools have a variety of extracurricular activities.
- Look for programs that support their interests
and hobbies. Ask if there is something they really like to do
or want to learn. There may be a club or program at the school
or in the community that offers this.
- Whatever your teen does after school, know
where they are. Know whom they are with. Make sure an adult
you trust is around. Make sure you know how to get in touch
with your teen and they know how to reach you, too. Call and
check in if you can. Always make sure they have a safe ride
home.
- If your teen has a job, make sure he/she works
less than 20 hours per week. Jobs are a great way for teens
to learn new skills as well as earn money. However, working
more than 20 hours a week interferes with school work and social
needs.
How do you find an after-school program?…
Look around. Ask around.
Many after-school programs are listed here on
the ParentLinkRI.org website. Also try the following:
- Contact your local
YMCA or
YWCA
- Contact groups such as 4-H,
the Girls Scouts
and Boy Scouts,
or others in the community
- Ask your teen's school
- Look for notices in the local newspaper or
in one of the parent newspapers
- Ask your teens' friends, their parents, and
other parents
- Look for flyers at the library, grocery store,
health clinic, social service center, or place of worship.
- Check Providence
Youth Opportunities Guide
- Contact Options
for Working Parents, 401-272-7510 (Providence area)
How do you know an after-school program for middle-school age
kids is a good one?… Ask questions.
Visit the program while it is in operation. Ask yourself how the
program looks... Ask some of the kids questions, if you can ... Ask
the program director questions about the program…
- Are the kids involved in positive activities?
- Are there a variety of activities?
- Are there opportunities to do homework and
get help, if needed?
- Do the kids seem interested and content?
- Are they having fun and learning?
- Are they encouraged to try new challenges or
learn new skills?
- Do they get along with each other well?
- Are there clear rules?
- Are the rules enforced consistently?
- Are there enough staff members (at least one
adult for every 13 young people)?
- Do the staff members seem warm and supportive?
- Is the facility safe and clean?
- Is there enough space for different activities?
- Is there enough good equipment?
- Are there nutritious snacks?
- Does the program coordinate learning with the
school?
- Is the program flexible enough for you and
your teens' schedules?
