Working moms everywhere know that finding the right after
school program for your children can mean better grades, enhanced
social skills and more peaceful evenings at home.
Amen.
Especially during the crucial elementary school years.
Here to help us understand the important connection is Linda
Hassan Anderson, Vice President of education at knowledge
universe, the parent company of Champions before and after
school programs.
Good morning.
Thank you so much.
I'm glad you're here, because you know, this is really
important to talk about, because, and I think you'll
agree with me, I think more and more women are working today
than ever, and they're wives, they have to hold down the
house, they're mothers and they're working really hard
today to juggle all of that.
Absolutely, and I would say that one of the things like that one
of the things that lets you know that that's such a strong need,
in terms of peace of mind and care for children, between the
hours of two o'clock, whenever school ends, and five or six,
whenever parents are off from work, is the number of children
that are currently in an after school program.
There are about 10 million children currently in after
school programs, and of that for every child that's there, there
are two more on a waiting list.
Wow!
It's a huge need for families.
I know your company is very famous for your KinderCare Early
Learning Centers.
Very famous for that.
But, it's also important to talk about your after school
programs, so let's get to that.
Great.
So we're very excited about Champions.
That is our before and after school program.
I love the name.
Champions.
Real commitment to make certain that we provide a solid
foundation for the school age children, because we do start
them in our early learning programs.
Champions is where we really have an opportunity to really
extend that opportunity.
And what are the elements of a good one, Linda?
For Champions, we have five basic tenets that are very very
important to us.
Math, science, English, physical fitness, homework assistance and
art.
Wow, homework assistance, which is so urgent for parents when
picking up their kids.
You don't want to hear "Mommy I have two more hours of
homework."
Does it sound, or it sounds to me, almost your school
curriculum moving into the after school where you're also tending
to the needs of education?
Absolutely.
Very very important.
I want to say, and I really want to underscore, that we make
certain that it's fun, right?
Because if children have been in school all day, the afterschool
program really needs to be a balance of structure and fun so
that they're really enjoying the experience.
So, we definitely make certain that we work providing that
homework assistance, but then we're also looking at character
development, leadership abilities, helping the children
to make their own plans for activities that they would
really be excited to be a part of.
And the adults that are with the children?
What's the ratio and are they teachers?
Yes.
Definitely they're teachers, and the ratio is relatively low so
there's the opportunity to give really personal attention to the
needs of children.
As you know, as a parent yourself, every child is a
little bit different.
Some, very self-organized.
Others need a little bit of additional support and coaching.
No doubt.
Let's talk also about the physical fitness.
Very important today because lots of kids are just eating
stuff they shouldn't be eating.
You hear about diabetes today with kids.
Let's talk about that importance of physical fitness.
Yeah, so definitely want to make sure we have an afternoon snack.
When you think about school ages, my son was just a hearty
eater, and as soon as I picked him up he was like "What is
there to eat?"
Starving, right?
Starving.
So, we definitely make certain that there's a nutritious snack
available and then physical fitness as well, to extend that
energy.
When you think about children that have been sitting all day,
they need that physical outlet.
So, there are physical activities to make certain that
the whole child's needs are being met.
It really sounds well rounded.
Something that I think is the most important is safety.
As a mom, for me to leave my girls with anyone, very
difficult.
I'm really hands on, so let's talk about the safety, and I'm
going to assume that that's number one.
Absolutely.
One of the things I say is because we are in schools, and
you've selected the school for your child, fundamentally, you
already have your child in an environment that you're
comfortable with, then we add to that some rigorous sign out
procedures, because safety really is critical.
Especially today.
Particularly at that age.
Exactly, especially today more than ever.
Absolutely.
Are you nationwide?
We are definitely nationwide.
So, if I wanted to know if you were available in Florida, what
would I do?
Come to the website.
DiscoverChampions.com.
Just the name alone, I love.
Thank you, and we have a virtual tour available, so you can
actually have the experience of seeing what it looks like to
have your child in a Champion's program.
Let's be honest, I think all of these things will lead to a very
successful person at the end.
Absolutely.
Thank you so much, Linda.
I do appreciate your time, and if you want to learn more, log
on to our website, TheBalancingAct.com.
We're also on Facebook and Twitter.
Be a champ.