It’s a common concern for parents: how do you keep your child busy after school ends? On the one hand, you have to make sure that they can socialise and unwind with their friends. But on the other hand, too much unstructured time could lead to trouble.
That’s why after-school programs are the perfect compromise. Your little ones can enjoy quality time with their peers while participating in fun and engaging activities. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of out of school hours (OOSH) programs and find out where to sign up.
Why after school care is good for kids
No matter how old your child is, after-school programs offer a number of benefits. Firstly, it gives young boys and girls a chance to interact with their peers outside of a school setting. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere for children to bond and make new friends, without the pressures of a regular school day.
Plus, out of school hours care (OOSH) programs are a great way to get kids moving. Instead of sitting on the sofa after school, they can attend an after-school program and get the chance to participate in sports and other physical activities.
If your child isn’t interested in sport, you can enrol them in an OOSH program where they can engage in creative pursuits, like music or arts. Either way, it’s an excellent opportunity for your kids to spread their wings and find new hobbies that they’re passionate about.
How after school care benefits parents
After-school care also benefits mums and dads. The most significant advantage is for working parents, who can’t be home after school to watch their little ones. With a structured OOSH program, parents can feel a sense of relief knowing that their children are safe and supported.
But even if you don’t work, putting your kids in after-school care gives you time to finish your daily to-do list and stay organised at home. And while you’re doing this, you can feel comfortable knowing that your little ones are in good care.
Finally, as a parent, seeing your child thrive is a great feeling. Through after-school programs, they can find activities that they love and spend time improving their skills. As they get better, they’ll feel more confident and independent — a proud feeling for any parent.
At WAYS Youth & Family, our OOSH program is a safe and supportive place where children can learn, grow, and explore. In addition to our after-school care (ASC), we also provide vacation care (VC) for children between the ages of 8 and 12.
Our program empowers young people with the life skills they need to succeed, including problem-solving, decision-making, and respect for themselves and others. The OOSH program at WAYS offers a range of activities for kids to try, including skateboarding, music lessons, cooking, swimming, and surfing. Volunteer tutors also provide homework help for little ones to catch up on school assignments and get assistance on challenging subjects.
Interested in learning more about the WAYS OOSH program, including after-school care and vacation care? Visit our website to check out the fees, activity schedule, and enrol.