How Can an After School Program Provide Homework Help?

Busy parents are really fortunate for the service provided by after school or out-of-school time programs.  One of the services that parents can be certain to have is ensuring that their children’s homework is done. After a grueling day at work, and having to prepare for the next day, it is difficult for parents to find enough time to spend with their children, let alone to get homework done. A good after school program will provide homework support to help you and your child progress. Here’s how.
 
Homework Time is Structured
Some after school care will let the children have a snack and play for a short time before they start their homework. Other OST programs let them get on with their lessons soon after school while it is still fresh in their minds. Children work from a period of 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the age and stage of the child and their attention span. If homework is completed before the scheduled time, then the child can be directed to a different activity that is more relaxing, such as a game where they can develop math or other skills.

There is a Dedicated Homework Space
Children will want a setting where they can work, whether on their own or with a homework assistant. Therefore, care centers will provide a dedicated homework help room away from the hub and buzz of the general after school activities. This will be an area where children can sit quietly and concentrate on the work at hand. The homework space should have computers (or room for laptops) in the event children need to find information for their work.
 
There are Dedicated Staff to Guide Homework Activities
Some children need that extra support to do their homework because:

• They would rather play than do homework.
• They consider homework too difficult.
• They are not organized to get the work done.
• They procrastinate doing things that are not as important.

But dedicated after school program staff are usually available to help children focus on their work and get it done. Sometimes children will go as far as denying they have homework to get out of doing the task. Some may have reading or language challenges that the staff will help them get over. Staff provide individual attention and will read the assignments for them so they understand what to do. This includes breaking down the assignment into manageable tasks.
 
After School Care Involves Parents
Despite the help of after school programs in your child’s homework, parents are not left out of the activities. Parents need to be involved for the following reasons:

• They need to get feedback on the progress of their children in getting homework done.
• They need information as to how their children are managing the lesson – whether they are operating at lower or higher abilities. It might be observed that the child may take longer than is expected to complete the assignment.
• They need to know if the child is getting the work done. There may not be any interest.

Parents need to have frequent contact also to see if notes are sent from the homework center or the school so that timely actions on important matters can be taken.
 
Help in Follow through with Homework Agreements
Children who are not great at completing their homework will fall through the cracks if follow-up is not done. This is even truer for those of busy parents who cannot avail themselves to help their kids focus to get the work done. Schools will place those kids into contracts to have homework completed. If out-of-school time programs are enlisted to assist in such circumstances, there will be greater opportunities for contracts to be enforced.
 
Assistance with Special Needs
Some children have special challenges that hinder them from carrying out their assignments effectively. A child may find it difficult comprehending what is written, or writing his homework. Homework programs do provide resources such as voice to text software that can assist children in getting their work written.
 
One of the benefits of after school programs is the additional care they give in getting children to complete their homework. Busy parents are able to take advantage of this help, but they should still make time to ensure that they are involved.
 
If you have questions, comments or other inquiries about after school programs and how they can help with your child's homework, or, have interest in child care programs in general, feel free to reach out and contact TSL Adventures in Albany.