Great Afterschool Programs and Spaces That Wow!

Create a high quality school-age program that is developmentally appropriate and filled with stimulating experiences. Colourful photographs and ideas reflecting the authors’ visits to a variety of school-age programs, along with questionnaires and worksheets, provide inspiration and guidance as you plan a dynamic environment where children will enjoy their time. Whether your program operates before or after school, on non-school days, during the summer, or overnight, this book will help you think about your space in new ways. As you create a more engaging program, you will be encouraged to consider the Temporal environment: schedules, routines, rules, and learning opportunities that meet children’s needs Interpersonal environment: the relationships and social interactions of children, staff, families, and the greater community Physical environment: the indoor and outdoor setting, furnishings, and architectural elements of lighting, colour, and physical layout of the space

About the Author :
Linda J. Armstrong is a consultant for children and youth programs throughout the United States. Additionally, she serves in a variety of leadership positions for number of non-profit organizations and has been an adjunct professor at universities in the US and New Zealand. Christine A. Schmidt is the owner of 2 CR Solutions, Ltd., a consulting, training, and technical assistance company for organisations that serve children birth through age 18. She is also the school-age expert for School-Age Toolshop, a program that offers coaching and training for parents of and people who work with school-age children.

Review :
“I absolutely love this book. It is truly comprehensive and covers all the important environmental areas in an afterschool setting, including those that impact the wellbeing of children, welcome families, and affect staff. The book, while easy to read, tackles complex issues and factors to help you transform your afterschool program into a place that children want to be as you foster their positive growth, development, and learning.” —Carole Weisberg, Coordinator, Early Childhood and Youth Education Programs, Charter Oak State College “‘WOW’ is right! This book lives up to its title and more. It provides all the insight and tools to create a quality environment in an afterschool program. I would highly recommend this book for new and existing programs that are interested in taking their afterschool program to the next level.” —Teresa Gagnon, Executive Director of Child Care Quality Assurance for the Great Miami Valley YMCA “I absolutely love this book. It is truly comprehensive and covers all the important environmental areas in an afterschool setting, including those that impact the wellbeing of children, welcome families, and affect staff. The book, while easy to read, tackles complex issues and factors to help you transform your afterschool program into a place that children want to be as you foster their positive growth, development, and learning.” —Carole Weisberg, Coordinator, Early Childhood and Youth Education Programs, Charter Oak State College “‘WOW’ is right! This book lives up to its title and more. It provides all the insight and tools to create a quality environment in an afterschool program. I would highly recommend this book for new and existing programs that are interested in taking their afterschool program to the next level.” —Teresa Gagnon, Executive Director of Child Care Quality Assurance for the Great Miami Valley YMCA