Child Care For Your Children
Now that your child has started school you have the problem of what to do with him/her after school while you’re at work, attending an after school care program can have tremendous beneficial effects for the both of you.
For you it brings peace of mind knowing that your child is taken care of in between the hours of school ending and you returning home and for your child such as improved sports, academics and social skills.
There are several alternatives available for after school care and here are some thoughts to consider when deciding which option is right for you and your child.
School after care clubs
Many schools now offer after care clubs for children whose parents work, many of them are run by parents who volunteer their services or by teachers who help out and take turns providing activities for your child.
This is a practical and simple alternative as the club will usually be held on the school premises or perhaps in the school’s sports hall or youth club facilities, this way there is no extra cost or worry about your child getting to the center.
A lot of school after care clubs will provide various activities for the children including games, music, origami and art lessons, several of them also play team sports including football, basketball, baseball and track running.
They will usually provide snacks and drinks for children by way of a snack bar and this type of club is usually paid for on a weekly basis and the cost is reasonable. Another benefit is that your child will be around other children they know from within the school.
Local day care centers
Many day care centers will offer a pick up service and after school care clubs, several of them offer special after school care club buildings which are separate from the main day care center. This type of after school care will usually provide your child with age appropriate activities and snacks and drinks are generally available too.
Some centers may even have computers which the children can use to assist them in their homework and offer such things as football, basketball and other sports training.
The only problem is how your child gets there, if the after care center do a pick up service where your child is at a designated pick up point at a certain time this causes less worry, the pick up point is usually just outside the school premises. If your child is expected to get their on his/her own then you have the worry of them arriving safely.
Neighbors and friends
Often your neighbors and friends will have children the same age as your child and parents who don’t work will sometimes be willing to pick up your child when they pick up their own and take them home with them until you return.
Sometimes this is done on a rotation basis with several parents being involved, depending on the parents schedule this can be an excellent system providing parents work together, usually they provide a snack and drink and your child can watch TV or play a video game or make a start on his/her homework. The benefits are your child is with someone he/she knows and trusts and is with friends.
Nannies and child minders
A nanny or child minder will sometimes offer a service for taking care of children after school hours though this is usually for younger children in nursery and infant schools, but occasionally they will take older children.
The nanny or child minder will pick up your child after school at a designated point if they are older and take them to their home or your own home depending on the service agreed upon. Children will be offered drinks and snacks and age appropriate activities should be made available for your child, often the child minder or nanny will be able to give assistance with homework or projects.
The downside is that your child won’t be in the company of other children the same age and if activities aren’t provided to stimulate them they will quickly become bored.
Whichever option you choose to take it is essential that your child feels safe and secure after school and he/she knows exactly what they are expected to do and who is picking them up and also where any designated pick up points are.
It is also essential that your child knows what to do in the case of an emergency, say for example the bus or car that takes them to the after care club doesn’t show up or is late. The after care choice you make should also know of any problems your child has and if they have to take any medication.
