Teachers and staff of after school care facilities and child care centers are constantly having to earn contact hours of instruction on what they do. It is required if someone wants to open a child care or after school program. Because of the need, the Sampson County Cooperative Extension Service is offering an opportunity for those people involved to get five such hours at, what staff said, is a very affordable cost.
The Basic School Age Care class will be taught at the Extension Service office Saturday, Aug. 11, starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 1:30 p.m. Instructor for the class will be extension agent Kim Reid, who shared that the class would include lunch.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer this class to those who need the contact hours and for those involved or wanting to become involved in child care or after school care for school-aged students. The fee is only $15, which includes the meal and materials,” explained Reid.
The agent noted that the class was targeted toward any staff member who works with school-aged children and young adults. It is also very beneficial, she said, to anyone who would like to start a child care center with older students and those wishing to have an after school program as well.
“The class targets students age 6 and up. We can acommodate up to 20 students and we already have seven committed for the class. This class is required training for anyone working with school-aged students and is a bargain at the established fee… many other places charge more and do not provide the noon meal,” remarked the instructor. “The class also helps with those contact hours child care workers are required to have.”
The curriculum will cover a broad spectrum of topics with one main theme throughout the entire class — student safety.
“The class will stress safety for the students in all types of situations in which the students may be involved,” explained Reid.
The first topic to be introduced will be Health, Safety and Nutrition. Reid said safety was involved in everything the student will do and providing a healthy, safe and nutritious experience for the students is vital to any successful program.
The class will also address environmental design in conjunction with child and youth development.
“These two topics will go hand in hand, as the students grow so must the equipment, furniture and space needed for the to develop properly,” cited the extension agent.
The other topics will include guiding child behavior, developmental appropriate activities and quality school-age care.
“Documentation will be discussed at length. If a student care provider keeps good and proper records, it will cut down on any possible lawsuits that might come up. It will also give the provided data that can be used to evaluate where improvements may need to be made in their program and what are the success and potential shortcomings in their programs,” said Reid.
“I do not want anyone thinking the class will be five hours of lecture. It will be far from that. This program has multiple activities included within it and we will be up and moving doing things hands-on. I encourage anyone working with school aged children to call the cooperative extension office and register soon,” remarked Reid.
To register or for more information regarding this program or future programs call 910-592-7161.
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