Why do afterschool and summer experiences matter? Children are learning and growing around the clock and throughout the year. A partnership between families, schools, and community programs will insure that all youth reach their potential and are ready to lead healthy, productive, and connected lives as adults. Children are only in school about 20% of their waking hours, and after -school and summer programs give young people additional opportunities to learn new skills as they build relationships with peers and adults in their community. 
The research shows that programs can:
- Provide strong adult role models.
- Increase children’s skills in getting along with adults, with peers, and managing their emotions.
- Improved school attendance and reduced drop-out rate.
- Boost school and summer achievement.
Nurturing, responsive interactions with adults promotes healthy brain development and as youth get older, these connections help youth to make good decisions and weigh consequences. For example, children with opportunities to read and to learn during the summer avoid summer learning loss that naturally happens when children do practice basic skills like reading, writing, and math, and have new experiences that broaden their horizons. Are you a parent or family member looking for a program?This Directory lists the programs in Holyoke that responded to a survey, but these are not programs that have been reviewed or recommended by a specific organization. So, it is up to you to find a program that works for you and your child. Here are some guidelines developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory to guide families in making a good selection:
Program staff
- Are there enough staff to supervise children well and give enough attention? The National Association of Elementary School Principals recommends no more than 12 children per staff member.
- What kind of background and credentials does the staff/director have? Has the director studied education, child development or another related field?
- Are the staff members good role models and do they set a good examplefor children?
- Do children feel that staff members are patient and fair?
- When a child succeeds, do they offer praise and encouragement? If a child is upset, are staff calm, comforting and sensitive?
- Is the staff sensitive to diverse family cultures?
- Do staff make a point to talk to families regularly?
Health, Safety, and Space
- Are there careful check-in and check-out procedures so children are always accounted for?
- Are children and staff taught what to do in case of emergencies?
- Are staff trained in first aid and CPR?
- Are the play and recreation areas safe, with staff providing good supervision?
- Are snacks and meals nutritious?
- How often are snacks and meals available?
- Is water available for drinking, cooking, washing hands?
- Is the environment inviting, warm, colorful, and cozy
Activities and Learning
- Are a variety of activities offered, including time to relax and socialize, time for fitness, art and learning?
- Are activities flexible, fun, linked to your child’s interests and culture?
- Do children have opportunity to choose how they will spend their time?
- Are the children engaged in the activities, having fun, and learning?
- Does the program link to your child’s school and teachers?
- Do the hours and schedule meet the needs of your family? Does the program operate when school is closed?
- Is tuition affordable? Is there a sliding fee based on family income?
After School and Summer Programs
Double-click the map to zoom in. Click-and-drag to move around. To search map by program name click here For a detailed list of programs click here! This Directory for Afterschool and Summer Programs for Holyoke, Massachusetts was developed by the WestMOST Network, the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative, and its partner organizations. It is designed as a resource for families, school personnel, and community agencies. Programs responded to a survey developed by Kathleen Traphagen and the Holyoke Springfield Bridging School-Afterschool Project, funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
