Finding a Good After-School Program

I'm about to return to work and am very worried about finding care for my 10-year-old daughter after school. Some of her friends participate in the after-school program at the school, and others go to one of the local YMCAs. How can I judge whether a program is a good one? - Seeking Care
Answer: There are questions that you can ask that will help you to determine if a program is a quality one. However, there really is no substitute for visiting a program and seeing exactly how it works, and whether it would be right for your child. If possible, your daughter should also visit the program. Her opinion is important, as you want her to be happy after school.
While recommendations from friends and neighbors won't guarantee that a program is good, they will definitely direct you to programs that should be investigated. You want to find a program that offers more than a baby-sitting service and where children are obviously enjoying themselves. Here are some things that a quality after-school program will offer:
1. A safe environment.
2. A supervisor and assistants with child-care training.
3. Nurturing caregivers with an ability to relate to children.
4. A low ratio of children to staff.
5. Both structured and unstructured physical activity.
6. An opportunity to complete homework with assistance available, if necessary.
7. Interesting crafts and educational activities.
8. Healthy snacks.
9. A limited amount of television viewing.
10. Time for group and individual activities.