Children’s Development & After School Programs, Why They Still Matter

Have you ever thought about how after school programs played apart in your development as a child? In today’s society everything is unpredictable. When it comes to the development of the youth there is an art to it. One of those arts are the after school programs that are in our local neighborhoods and community. In a conversation with Coach Ann Walker a basketball coach for over 30 years with experience in the development of after school programs and the personal growth of youth.

After-school programs have been known to be a support when it comes to the social skills of a child. Not only social but emotional, cognitive, and academic development. Coach Ann expressed;

“…. after school opens that circle up to let a kid become involved in other things, other cultures; dealing with foods, dress, speech, there’s a lot of different things that after school programs can provide for a child that a daily going to school five days a week doesn’t provide because it’s regimen.”

Ask yourself what helped you to come out of your shell as a youth?

Studies have shown that researchers have seen that high-quality afterschool programs can improve a youths educational outcomes, meaning they are more likely to have the drive to seek higher education. It reduces behavioral issues, promotes healthy lifestyles through physical activity, and is able to provide a safe haven for the youth. Having a supportive environment for children and youth is important because many are dealing with issues at home as well as among their peers. Most times youth are only concerned with what their peers are thinking of them, it is important they have supportive outlets. In order to know how to be a productive and functioning citizen.

Providing these skills helps with giving a wide variety of leadership opportunities that helps youth have a voice. This gives them a sense of belonging and to better understand themselves well because youth are forever growing and changing. The goal is to keep them changing in a positive light and not a negative one. Catering to these needs allows flexibility and nurturing that all youth should be allowed to experience.

For more information on after-school programs in New York City visit www.schools.nyc.gov or palnyc.org.

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