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A well thought out daycare curriculum is essential when structuring after school activities for children of all age ranges. It is impossible to ignore the growing popularity of these after school programs which cater for more than 10 million kids in the US and receive millions in funding. The safety of children whilst parents are at work is a given but the importance of educating and developing new skills shouldn't be overlooked.

Healthy relationships between the children attending the after school and the adults running the program are key to success. Adults running these programs are in the unique position of being neither parent nor teacher thus opening up possible channels of communication between adult and child that might not exist in the other environments. These kids are growing and changing and this type of positive emotional interaction is vital in helping them deal with personal issues.

These 'out of the normal category' adults can have a profoundly positive impact on children. Their wisdom, insight and experience will doubtless impress the children. The mentors in these after school programs serve as role models and can directly and indirectly pass on a multitude of knowledge and wisdom to the kids. Their unique position enables them to build the kind of relationships that will result in the kids drawing inspiration from their mentors.

After school activities that are managed professionally by people who are successful in their own fields of expertise will produce children who are more enthusiastic and successful. Meaningful interaction with adults is a learning experience in itself. Most after school activities can be broadly classified into three - recreational, educational and society-oriented. The last bit usually comes in when the child is already a bit grown up and can voice his own interests.

Educational activities aim at furthering the knowledge of the child. Different techniques are used to improve memory, general understanding and awareness. Programs such as intensive memory training and speed mathematics are educational after school activities. Many subjects can be covered to improve the child's general knowledge in addition to help with homework and reiteration of class work. Thus academic programs have a definite edge over the fun and games, especially if parents feel that their child has a lot of catching up to do.

Recreational activities include sports and games, fine arts, painting etc. The main thrust here is to have fun. Of course, classes become more competitive as the child climbs up the ladder. Many sport events, competitions, stage performances etc are held to encourage the child.

Recreational programs often appear to offer more in terms of a holistic approach to the child's development. Children need to be excited and curious about something in order to learn effectively and enjoy that learning process. A lack of flexibility in academic activity based programs can be a problem. These courses tend to be very well structured and rich in content. However, a child who has already spent a day at school may have issues with concentration. Frustration may occur when faced with further study. Overexposing a child to educational activities may cause him to switch off.

Recreational programs provide a welcome break from the monotony of learning and studies. The mental challenge and the physical exertion make the child feel a renewed zest and a pleasant sense of fulfillment. Group activity teaches him social skills, discipline and patience. It is a proven fact that children involved in extra curricular activities get better grades than others. Sometimes closing the textbooks and playing a game may be the best way to handle your studies.

Whatever program you choose for your day care, regular evaluation is the key to success. You will have to measure the children's progress. If progress is unsatisfactory, you may need to modify your daycare curriculum. The child should also have the freedom to reject an activity if and when he feels bored with it. Generally, an afterschool daycare curriculum that combines the educational with the recreational is best suited especially for younger children. This way, children can have fun while they learn.

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