SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM
The School Age Program provides after school care during the school year and full day service (7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.) during school vacation weeks and the summer. During the school year the program is held at Belmont Community School. Care is provided to 52 children, ages 5-13, who are bussed to the program from their respective schools at the end of the school day. During the summer months, the program becomes a summer day camp. Children are bussed Monday-Friday to Treasure Valley Boy Scout Reservation in Paxton, MA. The summer program services 70-75 children.
A program coordinator oversees the School Age Program. The coordinator is assisted by a site coordinator and three group leaders. The staff is increased during the summer months to accommodate the additional number of children and the expanded full day curriculum. In addition, student interns and student/community volunteers assist staff in providing program activities.
The School Age Program curriculum focuses on educational and cultural enrichment as well as healthy exercise activities to enhance the children's school and home educational experiences. The program's goals are to assist children in identifying their abilities and interests and to become involved in long-term activities that help children develop skills so they may ultimately view themselves as productive, effective and valuable individuals. The School Age Program places a strong emphasis on academic support and works with the children to not only increase their academic skills but to help them to understand the need to strive for excellence.
The enriched curriculum allows the children to participate in recreational activities, arts and crafts, literacy, math and science activities, homework support, computer center, reading, cultural and performing arts activities and life skills including conflict resolution and self-esteem curriculums. Guest speakers and cultural programs are brought to the program to give children exposure to new experiences and to further their learning opportunities. Field trips are an integral part of the program as well.
Many of the children are provided with music, dance and art lessons through the generosity and collaborative agreements with organizations such as the Worcester Art Museum, Joy of Music Program and the Performing Arts School of Worcester. The program transports children to these activities.
Our summer camp program is an extension of our year round program and includes the following activities: recreational games, swimming, arts and crafts, literacy, math and science projects, nature discovery and nature hikes, reading, creative writing, music and movement, drama, computer lab, camping skills, as well as recreational and cultural field trips. At the end of each camp season, parents and families are invited to the camp show in which all the children participate.
Children are served breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack when attending full day programs. All meals are prepared on site and meet Bureau of Nutrition requirements. Snacks are served to children attending the after school program.
Parental involvement and support is considered vital to the growth and development of our children. Twice annually the program hosts a "Parent's Night" where parents/guardians are encouraged to visit the program and review their child's six month evaluation. In addition, several parent/family programs are held each year.
