Evaluating a before or after school program: questions and considerations
How can you decide among several program options? Reviewing this section will guide you in asking those questions most helpful in making a final selection.
Newton POST profiles provide a great deal of basic information about programs. However, further exploration can help you narrow the field and make your choice. How can you learn more about programs? Some programs produce Web sites and newsletters, and may refer you to area families who will share their experiences with you.
The following questions are intended as a guide to help you interview program directors and representatives, and/or make the most of a visit. Do not feel you must use the complete list, since some questions may not apply to certain programs or to your particular situation.
How long has the program been in operation?
Is the licensing current (if applicable)?
How many children (boys? girls?) attend this program?
What about program-home communication? How and when do you communicate with families? When health or behavioral issues arise? How about email? Can I have a quick chat with a staff person at drop-off or pick-up time? Are parents allowed to just “drop in” for a visit? Is there a “viewing room” where I can unobtrusively observe my child's program?
What about program closings? If the program is closed due to inclement weather or other reasons, how will I be notified? Are you closed for holidays or vacations?
What about illnesses? What is your sick-child policy? For a Family Child Care Provider: If you are sick or have a personal emergency, do you have a back-up provider available?
What is the director's or provider's background? What is your experience with children? How long have you been with this program?
What about the staff? What are your backgrounds and experiences with children? What specific training have you received? Do you know basic first aid and CPR? What is the average age or age range? How many males, females? What are the adult:child ratios? Are background/CORI checks current and on file? How long does staff tend to stay with the program? If my child is uncomfortable with a particular teacher/staff member, how will you respond?
What is your safety record? Have there been serious injuries or incidents at your program? If so, tell me about the circumstances. What changes were made as a result?
Describe your indoor space. Tell me about the rooms available for the program. Do you have a good supply of books, puzzles, games, etc?
What about the program facilities and grounds? Are buildings and grounds safe, clean, and up-to- code? Tell me about your outdoor play area, including safety features such as fences and soft ground cover under play equipment. Do you have a good supply of balls, toys, and other outdoor play items? Is there an outdoor play area on-site?
What will a typical morning be like for my child? Do you serve breakfast? If so, do I provide the meal or do you? Will there be a quiet space where my child can read or finish up homework? Are children allowed to watch television? Will you help my child be “school-ready” by encouraging a bathroom check, grooming check, gear check?
What will a typical afternoon be like for my child? Do you provide an after school snack or do I? Do you follow a predetermined schedule or do children make activity choices? Are there opportunities for quiet time? Are children encouraged to play outside? Do you take the children on field trips and, if so, how do you travel?
How are children grouped (in a school or child care center)? By age/grade?
What is the program philosophy? Does the program or sponsoring organization promote certain ideologies?
What about health and safety issues? What specific health/safety equipment and supplies, beyond a first aid kit, are available to the staff? Defibrillator? Epi-pens? Other? Do I need to sign a permission form in order for the staff to give my child a mild pain reliever, such as Tylenol? (The answer should be “yes.”) If my child has special health concerns, such as cancer, diabetes, or food allergies, who will be my on-site partner in assuring my child's well-being? What is his/her experience with our special concerns?
What about outdoor health and safety? Tell me about sunblock and insect repellent. Are they provided by the program or by our family? When and how are they applied? Are children given frequent opportunities to rehydrate? Do you know how to avoid and/or deal with frost bite, heat issues, exhaustion, dehydration, insect stings/bites, snake bites, cuts, burns, head injuries, blisters? If you have a pool, how do you secure it and, if used by the children, how do you assure their safety? Do teachers/staff members always carry cell phones or walkie-talkies while outside with children, in case of an emergency? Does the program have an evacuation plan in the case of extreme emergency? What is the lost child procedure?
What about meals, snacks, and beverages? Who provides them? If my child is responsible for providing the items, but forgets to bring them, will you supply them? Is refrigeration available? If the program supplies the meal or snack, are special dietary requests respected? How do you assure that children with food allergies are safe?
Do you have any kind of dress code? Do you have any requirements or suggestions about what my child should/may wear every day — including footwear?
How about a daily backpack? What does you require or recommend that my child bring every day? Are any items forbidden? Where will my child safely stow his/her backpack during activities? (Plan to label everything!) Which of the following items should/can we pack? Snack, water bottle, sports drink. Extra clothes. Insect repellent, sunblock. Hat/cap, rain gear/snow gear. A book for quiet time. Bathing suit, towel?
What about transportation specifics? If you provide transportation, what are the additional costs? Are the bus stops convenient for us? Do teachers/staff members ride the bus, or is the driver the only adult on board? Are drivers screened and trained? Are vehicles inspected? Will the program help us arrange carpools with other families?
What about program schedule details?
If I am late in picking up my child, will I be assessed a fee? Do you offer early drop-off or late pick-up? Can I pay for this on an as-needed basis, or do I need to sign up ahead of time?
