Introduction
is guide provides aerschool providers with support in the selection
of equipment and materials and encourages them to create attractive,
exciting and more eective aerschool environments. Aerschool
programs encompasses a wide range of oerings for school-age
children that take place before school, aer school, on weekends, and
during the summer and other school breaks. Usually, these programs
include a variety of enrichment activities that keep young people safe,
provide opportunities for positive and consistent relationships with
adults and peers, oer time for physical recreation and unstructured
play, promote development of skills and exploration of interests,
enhance positive character traits and life skills, and help strengthen
academic skills. For sake of consistency, we will use “aerschool care”
throughout this guide. e needs of school-age children dier from
pre-school children, and their space should reect those dierences.
Aerschool programs are sometimes called “the new neighborhood”
because of the role they play in families’ lives. Instead of going
home and taking part in unstructured activities with children and
adults who live near their homes, large numbers of children attend
aerschool care. Because they may oen attend the same program
year round for ve or more years, they may spend more time and
have closer relationships with the sta at aerschool than with their
elementary or middle school teachers.
is group can have as many as 20-24 children with two teachers.
e space should include appropriately scaled furnishings and
equipment, and a slightly more “clubhouse” atmosphere. School-age
children should spend their time in aerschool programs involved
in developmentally appropriate activities. ey may eat or snack,
do homework, enjoy audiovisual entertainment, play games, and
participate in active games and outdoor sports. ey come to aer
school programs from a full-day school program and need space
that is homelike and comfortable, that provides areas for both quiet
activities and more active play.
e needs of school-age children can be accommodated by
providing:
• Adequate space for storage of children’s personal belongings.
• Low shelving for teaching materials, toys, and manipulatives.
• Generous amounts of oor area.
• Interest and activity areas.
• A “place apart” for gathering of small groups
• Access to beautiful and inviting materials
• Exposure to natural materials and connection to the outdoors
• Reasonable accommodation to the needs of children with
disabilities
• Space that accommodates the following activities:
o A place where children can work alone
o A place for productive group work
o A place set aside to store projects
o A place for physical activities and play
o A place for quiet relaxation
o A place for preparing and eating snacks
o Music and pleasing sounds
o Dierent levels and types of lighting
e choices for designing a quality childcare program can be over
whelming for a childcare professional, especially when working with
a limited budget. is guide has been created to help you to design a
high-quality environment for school-age children while making the
best choices for your budget. While purchasing the correct materials
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