kkbet After-school programs give students safe, healthy and active place to learn and interact
In the time between the bell ringing for the end of the school day and when parents get home from work, there is a whole world of possibility for kids to get a jump start on homework, build their social and emotional wellness and live healthy and active lives.
What are your children doing after school? Are they safe, doing their homework, eating well, and hanging out with friends? These are the questions that parents should consider throughout the school year. After-school programs are important for parents and their kids as they navigate daily schedules, tasks and their overall development.
While the hours immediately after school can be beneficial to your child’s development, they can also be troublesome if not spent engaged in positive activities. Teens who are not supervised when not in school are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including trying and using drugs, unprotected sex and criminal behavior that leads to arrests.
After-school programs provide much more than learning – although dedicated time to doing homework, tutoring and other academic pursuits serve them well – it’s also about having fun, building relationships and even getting nutritious meals. When kids and teens are properly supervised and directed in engaging and structured activities in after-school programs, research shows they get better grades, display positive social development and have a better self-image.
After-school programming can range from everything including arts, STEM, civic engagement, sports, entrepreneurship and college readiness. Some youth might be interested in programs with job training and job coaching that can lead to paid summer work and internship programs in Miami-Dade County.
The Children’s Trust invests in after-school programs across the county that are free or low-cost for Miami-Dade families. The programs themselves offer many different enrichment activities, from sports and dance to coding and tutoring, and more. Not only do these programs offer participants many different choices and activities, but they also give parents a sense of comfort in knowing that their kids are looked after and are provided with nutritious snacks and even supper in some cases.
Although national averages for after-school participation have been going down according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the options for Miami-Dade parents are plentiful. To help parents find the program that fits their family’s needs and child’s interests, The Trust, along with Miami-Dade Public Schools, Miami-Dade County and Jewish Community Services of South Florida, have relaunched the “More After-School Choices” initiative that lists hundreds of after-school programs in one place – the 211 Miami helpline (www.211miami.org/afterschool). Parents can also call 211 to find listings. All listings are available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. The initiative makes it easy for parents to search for the program that works for their needs and their location.
The school year brings with it many opportunities for students, both in class and afterward. After-school programs serve as a vital resource for parents and children alike. They provide a safe and structured environment where kids can not only excel academically but also develop socially, emotionally and physically.
It’s comforting to know that options in Miami-Dade are available, offering both peace of mind and invaluable opportunities for our children’s growth. Investing in the right after-school program is not just about filling time – it’s about laying the foundation for a brighter, healthier future for our kids.
Juliette Fabien, MBA RN, Chief Programs Officer at The Children’s Trust, has extensive experience in public health, child development, continuous quality improvement and case management. Her responsibilities with The Trust involve overseeing a team of human services professionals, directing The Trust’s funding initiatives and ensuring that services meet the needs of the children and families of Miami-Dade County.
This story was originally published October 7, 2024, 11:29 AM.
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