Afterschool Programs Help Keep Single Parent’s Employed

Have you ever wondered why there is a 3 hour window between the end of a child’s school day and a parent’s work day? I wish I had a reasonable explanation, but this barrier stands in the way of many working parents.

A 3 hour window exists from 3PM to 6PM when a parent is in the midst of a busy work day and a child finishes school. For parents with careers it is challenging to determine what to do with their child(ren) during these crucial hours. Parents ask “How do I complete work related tasks by the close of business without feeling the pressure of rushing to pick up little Johnny from school?” This concern haunts working parents all over the U.S.

Specifically, single parents are impacted the most as they have the daunting challenge of coordinating pick up times with other parents, family members or friends. Unfortunately, without those individuals, the burden rests with that one parent. In retrospect, a two parent household has more flexibility to share the car pool responsibility.

Single parents who find themselves in this predicament can explore various after school programs in their area.

What is an afterschool program?

The Afterschool Alliance states, afterschool programs can be defined broadly as any program that provides child care for elementary and middle school youth when students are not at school, and parents are not at home.

Why enroll in a quality afterschool program?

Afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. This is a parent’s dream which affords them the flexibility to manage a career, complete important tasks, and meet specific deadlines.

Afterschool program are a critical resource that serves to bridge the gap between the end of a child’s school day and a parent’s work day, Thus, providing a safe place for a child while allowing the parent to remain employed.

Program Variations

Afterschool programs serve our communities and the families that live in them. Therefore, they are in demand and offer various options:

• Transportation from the school to the afterschool site (Some have programs at the school).
• Schedules to include a snack and homework assistance.
• Projects to include STEM/STEAM activities
• Health and fitness focused activities

Although, there is a 3 hour window between the end of a child’s school day and a parent’s work day, it is evident a trusted after school program is one solution. Single parents, I encourage you to research the available afterschool programs in your area. If you need any assistance with your research efforts then feel free to contact me – Ms. Lawson at alavenderplace@gmail.com. Be sure to reference this article in the subject area of the email.

References: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/

– A Lavender Place