School Age Child Care (SACC) Presented by Michael S Case CEO YMCA of Norwalk, Inc. June 14, 2010 Table of Contents Our Mission Childcare Staff Credentials SACC licensed site locations SACC daily schedule Best Practices for the SACC program Explanation of structured activities The YMCA SACC model focus Why Choose a YMCA SACC program? Primary Developmental Assets Proposed new SACC programs for the fall of 2010 Recent CEO Assessment overview Conclusion YES- YMCA Enrichment Specials The YMCA of Norwalk is a community organization, welcome to all which enhances the lives of its members through programs and services that focus on the values of Caring, , Responsibility and Honesty. Our mission is to reflect and serve our diverse community, so that we may strengthen our members in spirit, mind and body. Overview : YMCA Teacher Credentials • CT DPH Certified Head Teacher • CPR/First Aid • Administration of Medication • Child Abuse Prevention • CT State Child Care Licensure Training • 30 + Total Hours of Training Overview : SACC Licensed Locations Elementary Schools: Columbus Magnet • Cranbury School • Fox Run School • Silvermine School • Tracey School Hours Of Operation: Before School Care : 7:00am- Start of School After School Care: Dismissal- 6:00pm Middle Schools: • • Ponus Ridge Westrocks After School Care: 2:50pm-6:00pm Overview : SACC Daily Schedule 3:00-3:15 Attendance/Check In 3:15-3:45 Homework 3:45-4:00 Wash Hands/ Bathroom Break 4:00-4:15 Snack 4:15-4:30 Clean up Time 4:30-5:00 Academic Enrichment 5:00-5:30 Structured Recreational Activities 5:30-6:00 Student Choice (i.e. reading) • Ongoing opportunities are provided to enhance the following: a. quiet activities b. socializing c. active play d. cultural awareness e. individual, small group, and large group activities. • Staff members extend children’s interest by introducing new concepts and activities designed to strengthen community involvement and empathy. • More experienced children are encouraged to take on leadership roles, teaching new games and activities. • Appropriate activities and environments are provided for: a. homework as an activity choice b. reading for pleasure c. new skill development d. completion of school projects • Eating time is planned as an activity choice; this includes health and nutrition as well as discussion and learning time: a. engages small groups b. allows positive social interaction c. encourages conversation and good table manners. • Enrichment activities promote basic skills and higher-level thinking and stimulate an interest in science, nature, environment, music, creativity, and support academics. Structured Activities • Socialization and team building exercises focused on the YMCA core values: Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Honesty. • Quiet activities such as board, card, and trivia games, Legos, and puzzles designed to enhance strategic problem-solving skills and foster academic development. • Large group activities (both indoor and outdoor) such as kickball, soccer, basketball to develop the whole child in terms of fitness, health, maturity, fairness, and social skills . • Small group activities such as reading, school work, arts & crafts, and science and math challenges designed to better complement class work and support homework. The YMCA SACC Model Focus • Recreation • Education • Enrichment • Physical activity, healthy eating, healthy lifestyles • Youth development (assets) • Socialization • Spirit, mind, and body integration • A sense of belonging and connectedness • Fun Current SACC Programs Include: •Seasonal YMCA Youth Membership •Swim Lessons •Homework Help •Recreation/Sports Activities •Arts and Crafts Why Choose a Y SACC Program? • YMCA studies show that children who participate in after school programs are more successful in school (e.g., in terms of attendance, behavior, and academics). • Children who participate in after school programs show growth in at least six (or more) of the 40 developmental assets as detailed by the National Search Institute. • Children who participate in after school programs are healthier than their counterparts who do not participate in programs. The YMCA defines health in a holistic way: integration of spirit, mind, body, and well-being. • Effective after school programs strengthen community by developing work-force skills, promoting civic engagement and youth volunteerism, and strengthening character values. External Assets: Support Empowerment Boundaries and Expectations Constructive Use of Time Internal Assets: Commitment to Learning Positive Values Social Competencies Positive Identity Proposed SACC Programs Fall 2010 • Tutoring – aligned with teacher curriculum. • Computer Lab • Dance Classes – YMCA of Norwalk’s Cynthia Izoldi was awarded the NDI (National Dance Institute) certification and approval to roll out the NDI curriculum in Fall 2010. She is the only recipient in CT. • Intramural Sports • Archery (ages 8 and up) • Yoga Fit Kids Program (Health and Nutrition) • Background • YMCA CEO active in Norwalk ACTs and OST (Outside School Time) subcommittee •Committed to making the YMCA SACC and Pre-school programs the model of excellence; tie enrichment/curriculum to better classroom performance • Assessment commissioned in May 2010 • Surveys designed for Principals, Parents and children participants • Results • Strong desire from Principals and parents in each school to have access to additional enrichment programs • Content of desired programs varied by school • YMCA of Norwalk is committed to improving the overall programming experience and “raising the bar”: • Seeking enhancements and measureable/”actionable” data through the OST sub-committee efforts in collaboration with the NPS, BOE, GE, NCF and other providers; • Bringing in additional senior-level expertise on the management team; • Establishing and maintaining a more frequent communication channel with parents and Principals to better enhance the programs; • Offer more variable enrichment programming tailored to complement what the YMCA can already provide – this review and program costs is currently underway and will be formally introduced in August. Proposed YMCA Enrichment Services* Computers Foreign Languages Science/Robotics Gymnastics Music/Theatre Art/Pottery Sports Karate Dance *Determined by surveys with parents, students, and principals. Separate enrollment fee. “We build strong kids, strong families and strong communities”