Recognizing the need for after school programs to operate by using the best practices available, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina contracted with the University of South Carolina Institute for Families in Society to research effective after school programs that incorporated best practices in program design and implementation.  Designed to enhance children's learning and well being, after school programs provide recreational and educational activities in a "safe haven" environment.  Best practices from community-based after school programs include:

• Provide fun, challenging and comforting programs.
• Promote education for enjoyment.
• Use educational approaches and content that is different from school.
• Use child development model to focus on children's strengths.
• Develop child's personal and interpersonal social skills, and promote appreciation of cultural diversity.
• Reinforce school day learning by integrating personalized education support into each child's schedule.
• Provide time and space for quiet study.
• Emphasize educational enrichment activities and spark child's curiosity and love of learning.
• Provide recreational and physical activities to develop physical skills.
• Constructively channel energy pent-up after a day of sitting in a classroom.
• Involve parents with program.
• Maintain low child to adult ratios and manageable group sizes.
• Provide ongoing professional development for staff.
• Respond to community needs.
• Define what is being done as an expansion, rather than an extension of the school day.
• Encourage and expect children to attend everyday.

REFERENCES

Fletcher, Andrea, (1999). After School Learning and Safe Neighborhood Partnerships: Implementations and Approaches. California: The California Wellness Foundation and Foundation Consortium.

National Assembly of National Voluntary Health and Social Welfare Organizations, (1998) After School Care: In Brief. Washington, DC. Website: www.nassembly.org.

Schwartz, Wendy (1996). After-School Programs for Urban Youth. In Digest, No. 114. Eric: Clearinghouse on Urban Education.

US Department of Education and US Department of Justice (2000). Working for Children and Families: Safe and Smart After-School Programs 2nd Ed. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. Website: www.ed.gov.

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