Before- and After-school
Our Programs
AYS is the best way for all kids to learn, grow, have fun, and stay safe in the environment parents already trust: at your school. Our programs create safe and caring environments that provide a balance of academic and social development through a variety of choice-directed and staff-directed activities. Choice-directed activities are easily accessible and include table games, learning stations and craft time. Staff-directed activities require direct instruction and supervision and are related to AYS core curriculum components and standards.
Schedules vary by program site, but a typical day at AYS might look like:
- Dismissal bell rings and school is out!
- AYS students walk down the hall to their classroom where they are greeted by AYS staff and attendance is recorded.
- Wash hands and have a snack while catching up with friends.
- Time for homework, reading or rest time.
- Physical activity: we love to play! Weather permitting, we’ll head outdoors or play in the gym. Sometimes we do both!
- Enrichment activity: we provide educational activity options based on IN Academic State Standards, as well as board games and social activities.
- More physical activity before parents arrive to sign their children out for the day.
…all in a warm and social environment that promotes community building by a team of trained and dedicated staff. Word-of-mouth spreads quickly among students and parents and we have many programs that go on a wait list due to demand! We love watching children grow up in our AYS programs and often have students later return to volunteer and even work!
Our Curriculum
AYS after-school programs provide a minimum of one staff-led curriculum activity per day. AYS curriculum is amalgamated from nationally and internationally respected institutions and museums. These sources align with state, national or international standards. Curriculum workshops are held each month to assist program directors and staff. Additional workshops are offered through the AYS Professional Development Center.
All AYS before- and after-school programs focus on four core components when developing weekly and daily activities: Health, Literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), and SEL (Social and Emotional Learning). The Health core component focuses on fostering healthy habits, encouraging outdoor play, and improving physical fitness in all children. This is implemented by outdoor activities and free play as often as the weather allows, healthy cooking clubs, fitness tracking, and special games. The Literacy component is supported by offering comfy reading lounges, theater clubs, reading rewards, letter writing activities, and read aloud programs. The STEM component focuses on learning through the use of science, technology, engineering, and math. Lastly, the SEL component focuses on service, good citizenship, and character development. Some activities that support those goals are philanthropic curriculum, youth leadership opportunities, learning about different cultures, cooperative games, and character building activities.