Every September, hundreds of children heading back to school need care before and after regular school hours.
The Colonie Youth Center provides before-school and after-school programming at 14 sites in the North and South Colonie School Districts. These special programs allow parents and guardians to work full-time jobs with the peace of mind knowing their children are in a safe and engaging environment.
You might ask, what makes these programs special? A peek into the “backpack of before- and after-school” may answer this question best.
Inside we find crayons, markers, and colored pencils. These school essentials represent the children that attend school-age programs. Each child comes with their own unique personalities. They are the heart of our programs and keep them vibrant and colorful.
Next we see folders and notebooks. These school supplies show how organizing and planning goes in to day to day activities and special events that keep the children engaged each day. They are the backbone of the daily schedule and are ever evolving to keep the program lively.
Near the middle of the backpack, we spy the glue. This school staple reminds us of the program staff who keep everything together and ensure the program is running smoothly. The qualified and energetic staff are the core of the program, giving them stability and strength.
Coming near the bottom of the backpack we notice an eraser. Everyone makes mistakes, and this supply is essential to before- and after-school balance. It lets children and staff know that we accept imperfect days and realize that each day is an opportunity for a fresh start and to have a positive experience.
Something sparkles as we peer farther down and coming into focus is a shiny pair of scissors. Scissors, as a back to school tool, depict our programming as a cut above the rest and vital to the daily needs of our ever growing community.
Way at the very bottom of the backpack, we discover a square notepad. Post-it notes, what an important and classic necessity for reminders. The biggest reminder I can give … don’t forget to pack your smile in that backpack. At CYC, we strive to have fun and smile a lot at all of our programs.
All of these pieces are crucial to what makes our school-age programs special, and we wouldn’t be complete without them.
The Colonie Youth Center is excited to get back to school and is ready to start another successful and enriching school year. Thank you for taking the time to read our article, and we hope that you have the opportunity to share it with your child. If your child is enrolled in one of our before- or after -school programs, please ask them to mention this Spotlight article to the supervisor at the program they attend. The supervisor will have a new school supply to share with them.
April Castle
School-Age Childcare Director
Colonie Youth Center, Inc.
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