Back to After School: Why Out-of-School Time Programming is Crucial

August 27, 2024

Back to After School: Why Out-of-School Time Programming is Crucial

By Liz Curfman, Program Officer

Though the weather continues to tell us its summer, the calendar inching forward means that back to school season is here. Navigating new schedules and routines, and let’s be honest, maybe some cranky attitudes (from both kids and parents!), can be challenging as a working parent to cobble together the care of kiddos.

No matter the income level, parents who work full time need a safe, high-quality space for their child to receive homework help, a snack/supper, and to be supported in exploring new opportunities, and activities. After-school programming is vital to parents, and it is no small feat for parents to entrust others to care for their precious gems, their children. The Rees-Jones Foundation supports after-school programs, but particularly prioritizes an interest in ensuring access to programs for families living in low-income areas of our region. Dallas Afterschool, a grantee of the Foundation, knows the importance of supporting these families all too well.

Olga Gonzalez, Vice President of Program Services for the agency, shared that “For working families, out-of-school time (OST) programs are invaluable. They offer a reliable and structured environment where children can engage in learning and recreation while their parents focus on their jobs. This peace of mind allows parents to be more productive at work, knowing their children are safe and engaged in meaningful activities. Additionally, free and low-cost out-of-school time programs help reduce the financial burden of childcare, which is often a significant expense for families. In the words of one local mother, “’When I moved to the area I didn’t have any family support…I would have to take low-paying jobs, despite my experience, so I could get back in time to pick up my son from school.’”

In addition to supporting working parents, after-school programming is important to the development of children. Olga shared about that value, “Out-of-school time programs offer children opportunities for academic support, social development, and skill-building. These programs can help bridge the gap between the end of the school day and the time when parents get home, providing a structured environment that fosters learning and personal growth. Youth engaged in out-of-school time programs are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and more likely to develop positive relationships with peers and mentors. This can have a lasting impact on their academic performance, social skills, and overall well-being. In the words of the same mother quoted above, “My son has found his spark again and is always raving about his after-school teachers and how they help him, support him, and motivate him.”

The Rees-Jones Foundation is proud to support out of school time programs in Dallas and Ft. Worth who are serving working parents in low-income neighborhoods that are providing engaging, educational, and formative programming. Last year, the Foundation supported over 20 OST grantees for a total of $1.3M in providing safe, quality spaces which also included parent engagement and community support.

Funding this sector is vital to our region, city, and economy, but most importantly to our children. When that last school bell rings for the day, it is our hope that each child has the opportunity to seize a new future because of the opportunities that their after-school program has afforded them. That the program in their community provides that child somewhere safe to go, where they have caring adult role models, and they can be positively shaped and prepared for wherever their future takes them.