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Home > Programs > Before & After School (Smart Owls)

Our Before & After School program at A To Z Fun Care Preschool & Child Care Center, designed for children aged 6 years and up, provides a safe and enriching environment before and after school. We offer a calm start with quiet activities and homework assistance to ensure children are prepared for the day ahead. After school, we focus on academic support through homework help, engaging STEM projects, creative arts and crafts, and outdoor play to encourage teamwork and fitness. With qualified staff at our daycare center in Maryland, secure facilities, and flexible hours, our program supports children in their academic and personal growth, offering convenient transportation options to and from local schools.

What to Expect from Our Before & After School Program

Our before-and-after-school program provides a safe, structured environment that extends learning beyond the classroom. Children have the opportunity to unwind, socialize, and engage in fun, enriching activities. We support their academic and emotional needs while helping them transition smoothly between home and school.

  • Continued Learning: Encourages continued learning through fun, age-appropriate activities
  • Safe Environment: Offers a safe and structured environment before and after regular school hours
  • Social Skills: Builds friendships and social skills through group games and collaborative projects
  • Homework Completion: Supports homework completion with quiet time and staff assistance
  • Enriching Learning Experiences: Provides enriching experiences like STEM, arts, and physical play

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of after-school programs for children?
After-school programs offer numerous benefits, including academic support like homework help and tutoring, which can improve grades. They also provide opportunities for children to engage in enriching activities such as sports, arts, and crafts, fostering new skills and interests.
How do after-school programs help with homework and academic support?
Many after-school programs integrate dedicated time for homework completion, often with staff available to provide assistance and guidance. They might also offer tutoring in specific subjects or help children develop effective study habits. This structured support can reduce homework-related stress at home and reinforce classroom learning, leading to improved academic performance and a better understanding of concepts.
What kinds of activities are typically offered in before-and-after school care?
Before and after school programs often provide a diverse range of activities to keep children engaged and stimulated. These can include creative outlets like art projects and dramatic play, physical activities such as sports and outdoor games, and educational pursuits like reading clubs and science experiments. Some programs also incorporate quiet time for independent reading or relaxation, catering to various interests.
How do after-school programs promote social skills and emotional development?
After-school programs create a structured yet relaxed environment where children can interact with peers from different age groups and backgrounds. Through collaborative games, group projects, and supervised free play, children learn essential social skills like cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution. This consistent interaction helps them develop empathy, build confidence, and manage their emotions effectively in a social setting.
What is a typical daily schedule like in an after-school program?
A typical after-school schedule often begins with arrival and a healthy snack, followed by a period for homework assistance or quiet activities. The afternoon usually includes a mix of structured activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, or educational games, and free play time. There’s often outdoor play, and the day concludes with parent pickup.

Give Your Child the Gift of Joyful Learning

Give your child a joyful start to learning with our warm, caring, and engaging environment. Contact us to learn how we nurture their curiosity and spark lifelong success!