After-School Guidelines | Parent Advisory | Website Links

Mayor’s Time has gathered information about after-school programs in metropolitan Detroit as a service to the community.

Information compiled by Mayor’s Time regarding after-school programs is done through mail-in surveys from community-based organizations, faith-based institutions and schools.

Any representation of a program or organization on this website is not an endorsement from Mayor’s Time. Mayor’s Time strongly encourages parents and guardians
to evaluate an after-school program to ensure that they meet the needs of their child.

Parents can use the Guidelines for After-School Programs as a resource
in the selection of any after-school programs. Mayor’s Time would like to acknowledge the Detroit Parent Network’s contribution to the revising of the After-School Guidlelines.

Program Planning

• After-school programs should be supported by research, evaluation and best practices.
• Programs should have youth and parent involvement in its development and implementation.
• Programs should be based on a review of the needs and interests of children and families in the community along with other existing services.
• After-school programs that are academic should be linked to the school’s academic program.
• Programs should reflect the diversity of the community including income, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, and disabilities.
• Program activity should promote the development of all youth by being fun, flexible, culturally relevant and linked to activities that capture children and youth’s interest such as sports, recreation, drama, business, arts & culture, gardening, academics and other engaging activities.
• Programs should stress social relationships by encouraging a family-like atmosphere. This is especially important to young adolescents who often resist or have limited support and guidance from their families.

Safety, Health & Nutrition

• Programs should be safe and accessible to all youth.
• It is strongly recommended that programs pursue licensing and/or accreditation.

Administration

• Program staff, with input from youth and parents, should develop goals and objectives for the program.
• Programs should work with local community organizations to provide young people positive leisure and/or academic experiences in their neighborhoods and communities.
• Programs should have clear rules for participation with clear rules for behavior expectations such as no drinking or drug use.
• Adult leadership is critical for good after-school programs.
• Staff should be well trained, not only so that they are technically competent, but also that they are culturally sensitive to the children and families they serve. They are vital to create an inviting environment in which children will feel welcome.
• Programs should be evaluated based on their goals and objectives on a regular basis.
• Every program should have an emergency plan.