- Annie Mills
- Posted On
Why children benefit from after school programs
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Parents know how important school is for their children's growth during the K-12 years, but children's growing and learning needs don't end when the bell rings.
“Studies indicate that attending after school programs improves students' academic performance and overall wellness,” said Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg.
This is one of the reasons the Lake County Office of Education offers after school programs on school campuses during the time school ends and the children return home.
The programs are a great way to enhance children's development by providing vital interactions in a positive and supervised environment while the children learn skills they can use as they grow.
After school programs offer help with homework if a child needs it. Some children feel more comfortable working on school assignments in a less formal environment where they can ask questions at any time.
Other programs introduce children to new subjects, getting them excited to learn more. This may lead to better efforts in school and decreases the likelihood of skipping school.
Children in after school programs may also benefit both emotionally and behaviorally if they feel positive connections with other people. The relationships that are nurtured between staff and children help by focusing on good character traits, like open-mindedness and how to be respectful of others.
In addition to character building experiences, children get the opportunity to burn extra energy through physical activity and other recreational pursuits. They receive healthy snacks and a hot and healthy meal which helps them learn about proper nutrition and eating habits. Good eating habits can help children make healthy eating choices for the rest of their lives.
The Lake County Office of Education operates extensive after school programs on eight elementary school campuses on school days.
Programs serve transitional kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade students at Burns Valley, Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Lucerne, Middletown, Pomo, Riviera and Upper Lake elementary schools.
There is an additional program called Zap! After School program for fifth through seventh grades at the Pomo Elementary School campus.
Based on current enrollment, the after school programs of the LCOE collectively will serve more than 450 students daily.
All after school programs are open during days that school is in session until 6 p.m. All programs offer educational content, homework assistance and recreational activities and a healthy meal in a safe and nurturing environment supervised by trained staff.
The Zap! Program offers additional team building and enrichment activities that focus on career and college readiness.
The Lake County Office of Education is proud to provide safe and positive learning environments for students after regular school hours. Education and support for education is our business.
To learn more about our after school programs call Child Development Specialist Emily Wold at 707-263-4563, Extension 213, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Annie Mills is communications specialist for the Lake County Office of Education and Hero Project.