CINCINNATI (August 6, 2009)—With back-to-school season at hand, many working parents are searching for quality, educational before and after-school programs. But what should a parent look for when choosing after-school care? 4C, this area’s leading child care resource and referral agency, offers tips, checklists and free referrals to busy parents looking for the best after-school care for their children.

“Planning a child’s after-school care is just as important to a child’s success as choosing the right school,” says Megan Wilson, 4C after-school specialist. “The right school-age experience helps boost a child’s self-esteem while helping them grow, learn and have fun.”

4C offers parents this checklist of what to look for when choosing a quality after-school program:

• Staff are energetic and maintain a safe environment, while being flexible and fun.

• Low staff-to-child ratios that allow for quality individual attention and small groups.
• Schedules and lesson plans posted with a balance of innovative activities that are both staff- and child-initiated.
• A variety of activities that include group games, arts and crafts, sports and dramatic play.
• An environment that is safe, clean and stocked with age-appropriate materials.
• Snacks that are well-balanced and nutritious.

Here are a few red flags or warning signs to watch for:  

• Program does not encourage parents to observe.
• Children are moving about for 30 minutes or more without staff interaction or activities.
• Staff spends most of their time scolding or controlling children.

“When you visit a good program,” Wilson adds, “you should see happy, engaged children.”

For help in finding after-school care, parents can call 4C at 513-221-0033 in Southwest Ohio, 859-781-3511 in Northern Kentucky or 937-220-9660 in the Miami Valley. Parent counselors are available to offer free assistance in finding a program that fits individual needs. 

4C for Children, the pioneering leader, advocate and resource for early childhood education and care in this region since 1972, serves 23 counties from offices in Cincinnati, Dayton (Ohio) and Newport (Kentucky). Each year this not-for-profit agency assists over 8,000 families of all income levels in finding and choosing quality child care; enrolls over 20,000 child care providers in its workshops and trainings; works to increase the supply of high-quality early education and care in the region; and advocates for children and families at the local, state and federal levels. For more information visit www.4cforchildren.org or call 513-221-0033.

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