Is one of your parents' problems figuring out if this is the right after-school program for you? Ask yourself about its reliability, effectiveness and safety. Use our list of questions to guide your parent involvement in education and get the answers you need. Print out a copy to interview people from the education after school program on the phone or during a site visit.

1. Reliability: Can I trust this program?

Good programs have clear goals and welcome parent participation; they are licensed or accredited; and they model positive values such as service, compassion and cooperation.

ASK PROGRAM DIRECTORS:

  • Is your program licensed or accredited?
  • What is your mission and philosophy?
  • What are the top three things you expect children to gain from this program?
  • Can I have a contact list of people who have brought their children here? (Avoid getting a few hand-picked references of people who love the program.)
  • Can I get a copy of your policies, schedules and fees?
  • How are families involved here?
  •  What kinds of financial aid do you provide?
  • About what percentage of children stay with the program?
  • What is your discipline policy?

2. Effectiveness: How exactly will this program help my child?

The best programs have caring, well-trained teachers and children who are happy to be there. Activities should have specific goals and outcomes based on sound research.

ASK PROGRAM DIRECTORS:

  • What training do you require or offer staff?
  • How do you measure results of your program?
  •  What happens in a typical program period?
  • Can children get help with homework?

ASK CHILDREN:

  • What do you like about coming here? What don’t you like?
  • Do you want to come back next year?
  • How often do you help plan or choose activities?
  • How safe do you feel?
  • How many friends do you have here?

ASK STAFF WORKING DIRECTLY WITH YOUTH:

  • How long have you worked here?
  • How do you keep track of youth?
  • How have you handled emergencies?
  • How do you deal with sick children?
  • Can you tell me about a recent fight or argument you dealt with? How often does that happen?

3. Safety: Can I rest assured my child is safe?

Good programs should be clean, orderly, cheerful and proactively address safety and bullying issues.

ASK PROGRAM DIRECTORS:

  • What specific steps have you taken to deal with bullies recently?
  • How many employees are trained in CPR and first aid?
  • Do you run background criminal checks on staff?
  • Are dangerous cleaning chemicals, art materials or cooking utensils out of sight and reach?
  • Is the playground fenced in and does it have cushioning material beneath swings, slides and monkey bars?

DURING YOUR OBSERVATIONS, DETERMINE:

  • Are the building, bathrooms and food preparation areas clean and organized?
  •  Is there a place for quiet time and study?
  • How large and attractive are activity areas?
  • Are play structures and toys in good condition?

Information from the National Afterschool Alliance (www.naaweb.org) contributed to this article.