The Child Development Center at Queens College is committed to the support of student parents and their families.  One way in which we support families is by providing a program for school age children.  Children, between the ages of 5 and 10 years,  of Queens College student parents may be enrolled in the  Center from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday.  Due to space limitations the Center is unable to provide alternative care for school age children on days that elementary schools are closed.  (School age children may come according to their registered schedules on those days).

ACTIVITIES

Like many after-school programs, our program offers homework help as one component of a comprehensive program.  While we feel that homework help is an important element of the center pogrom, it is not our main focus.  Our program offers activities that address children's overall developmental needs.  Children need to play, have snacks, to explore their surroundings, to develop meaningful relationships with peers and adults, and to build a strong sense of self.

Our school age coordinator works with children of various ages and skill levels.  The coordinator provides many engaging activities for the children and will not be able to take time to check all homework for accuracy.  If a child chooses not to complete all of his/her homework at the Center, the coordinator will not assume responsibilities and impose consequences.  We feel that this is a matter that belongs between parent and child and should be addressed at home.

School age children will be provided with a light snack during the afternoon/evening session.  Parents are free to bring a more substantial meal for their child if they feel the child needs it.  At least once a week, the children will work together to prepare their own snacks.  One of the computers in the classroom is dedicated to the school age children for work on educational projects like creating art work or original stories.  The computer may be available for children who need to use it to complete homework assignments, if it is not being used for an activity.  The school age coordinator will determine when and how the computer will be used.