#3 = the Trinity of Whole Child Development
We value
the child, the whole child. Many good afterschool programs focus primarily on one
aspect of child development.
Some
afterschool programs label themselves as child care and basically extend
classic early-childhood education programs with learning centers and a lot of
child-directed activities for children to self select into afterschool. These
program focus primarily on play-based learning of social and life skills.
Some programs focus primarily on academics. These “academics-only” programs put
emphasis on tutoring and homework. Their primary goals include higher academic achievement and test scores. They provide more school... after school.
Some
afterschool programs label themselves “for recreation purposes only.” These
“rec” programs aim to provide a safe place for children to play and are intentionally and purposefully designed to provide a
break from academics after school.
Other
programs focus on a singular skill like drama, science, karate, chorus, chess, soccer,
fine arts, etc.
Children’s
Choice sees value in each of these models. We see the need for many types of
programs to meet the diverse needs of different communities. We help train and
develop staff working in many different types of programs and strive to help
them improve their practices.
Within
our own programs, Children’s Choice takes a whole-child-development approach.
We weave together play-based learning, academic enrichment, life skill
development, team building, recreation, relationship building, and specific
skill building through enrichment classes and novel, challenging activities.
We value
what we call the “TRINITY” of positive youth development. We weave together
practices that facilitate the development of P.I.E.S.
1. Physical Skills
2. Intellectual Skills
3. Emotional/Social Skills
Or if
you prefer, the “TRINITY” of Mind-Spirit-Body. The whole child.
