Parents need to understand the importance of providing quality care for school-age children. Providers can assist them in learning that their children not only need to be physically safe, but also have their developmental needs met through participation in the child care setting. Before- and after-school time provide the opportunity for children to explore the world and learn about interests and options for their lives. Programs that provide a wide variety of hands-on educational materials for use in an informal setting encourage kids to develop self-learning skills.
School-age child care programs provide opportunities not available in the formal school setting to let kids explore their own interests and develop at their own pace. There is no set curriculum to follow and no mastery tests to be passed. Learning is fun without undo pressure to succeed and gain specific knowledge. School-age child care providers should strive to help parents understand that their children should have stimulating experiences during this time. Hours spent passively sitting in front of the television are not necessarily hours wisely used.
Providers can help parents understand the importance of meeting the child’s needs for experiences to promote physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development in the out-of-school hours. Providers might hold periodic conferences with the parents to discuss the development of the child. Needs can be identified and parents and providers can determine activities the program offers to help meet these needs. Most programs are already making many of these opportunities available. It is important to help parents realize the value of the program in contributing to the positive development of the children.
Parents may question the costs associated with quality care. If they lack the understanding of the importance of quality care, they will be less supportive and may think they can save dollars by sending young children home alone, or seeking unlicensed or unregulated care. A teen babysitter might cost less, but will that teen sharing potato chips with the child while watching Oprah be helpful to their child’s development?
By helping parents to understand what you provide to their child, they will come to recognize your importance and the true value of quality care.