Before & After School Programs

EARLY CHILDHOOD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Early Childhood and Youth Development Programs are based on "active learning," direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. Youth and children are encouraged to "construct" their own knowledge by pursuing their personal interests and goals, guided by staff who understands the important learning areas for children and youth. Active learning is central to all the activities in the program, whether planned by staff or initiated by children/youth.

Teachers will offer physical, emotional, and intellectual support. During active learning staff expand children/youth’s thinking with diverse materials and nurturing interactions. Staff interacts with children/youth by sharing control with them; focusing on their strengths, forming genuine relationships with them, supporting their play ideas, and helping them resolve conflicts. Staff participates as partners in children/youth’s activities rather than as supervisors or managers. They respect children and their choices, and encourage initiative, independence, and creativity. Provide materials and plan experiences that children/youth need to grow and learn.

ELIGIBILITY

Family Service Early Childhood & Youth Development Programs are outside of the home and are designed for children/youth six weeks to 15 years. Programs are non-discriminatory and staff will not deny service due to race, color, national origin, religion or gender. Staff will utilize interpreters within the agency or C.H.I.R.P. as needed for language and communication needs of families and/or staff.

Children/Youth are enrolled on the basis that they can participate in the program; and the program can meet the needs of the child/youth and family. The Parent/Legal Guardian, Site Supervisor, Program Supervisor, and Program Coordinator are able to assess and make the decision to enroll a child/youth on the ability of child/youth to participate in the program. Staff and/or parents will determine that programs are not the appropriate service for the child/youth. The staff will refer the family to the Child Care Connection Line (441-8026) and/or other agencies to assist families with finding appropriate services.

POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS (*as of 1/1/2008)

• 30% to 40% are low-income high risk children/youth.
• 30% to 35% are children/youth from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• 25% to 30% are children/youth from single parent families.
• 51% of our children/youth are male
• 49% of our children/youth are female
• 5% of our children are 6 weeks to 5 years old
• 75% of our youth are elementary school students
• 15% of our youth are middle school students

DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION

DAYS:

Monday through Friday
*Special Events may be scheduled on Saturdays

HOURS:

• Main Office - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Early Childhood & Family Resource Center - Monday-6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. & Tuesday-Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Community Learning Centers 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Before & Afterschool Programs 7:00-9:00 a.m. & 2:45-5:45 p.m.
• Full Day Youth Development Programs 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

PROGRAM HOLIDAYS/CLOSURES

Family Service will close in observance of the following holidays. Family Service will close the prior Friday or following Monday for holidays that fall on a Saturday or Sunday.

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving & the Friday after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

SPECIAL EVENTS/CLUBS

Special Events/Clubs (Enrichment Clubs, Family Nights, Adult Programs, etc) will be offered on a varying schedule and schedule is communicated to child/youth, families, partners and schools via newsletter and other outreach methods.