Extended Day Program (EDP)

Corinne A. Seeds University Elementary School (UES) has offered its Extended Day Program (EDP) for students since September 1983. The program began at the urging of working parents who wanted convenient, high quality after-school care for their children. Most parents felt that their children would be best served by a program that was an integrated part of the school day. In 1988 an early morning program (7:00-8:00 a.m.) was added. Current enrollment in the after-school program is 125 students, ages 4 to 12 years. Four-year-olds stay from the end of their school day at 11:30 a.m. to either 2:45 or 5:30 p.m. Older children join the program at 2:45 p.m. and remain until 5:30 p.m. There are six groups of 15 to 22 children reflecting a two- or three-year age span. Each group has a full-time teacher and an aide. Additional staff and volunteers provide support on a regular basis. The early morning program enrolls 20 children and is staffed by two teachers.

Program Philosophy

The EDP takes into account the needs of each child for a program coordinated with, but not duplicative of, his or her academic experiences. Children in the EDP have opportunities for more flexible social relationships and for sharing their feelings and needs with adults and peers in a more intimate way than in the classroom setting.

The program focuses on the social and emotional issues of children's lives. It nurtures a strong sense of community, emphasizes values of caring and respect for others, and encourages appreciation of each child's culture, language, and ethnicity. Adults help children openly express their feelings and needs, and model ways to manage and reduce conflicts.

The EDP is structured to encourage children to make their own decisions about how to spend their time. Children choose among a variety of activities and projects including music, art, drama, science, woodworking, sewing, cooking, building, dramatic play, field trips, and much more. A sense of being part of a community and caring for one another is conveyed through each activity. Each afternoon also includes a group conversation. In this setting children and adults join together to appreciate and celebrate both the similarities and differences among them.

Program Staffing

For each group of 15 to 25 children there are at least two adult supervisors--a lead teacher and an aide. Teachers are highly qualified in training and experience, and teacher turnover is low. Teaching assistants are UCLA undergraduate students, many of whom are pursuing careers in working with children. There is ongoing reflection and a development of common perspectives among the staff through discussion of individual children, program philosophy, and curriculum. From time to time outside experts provide consultation and professional development.

The After School Program

Four-year-olds join their EDP teachers for lunch at tables outside their classrooms. After lunch children take care of their environment by picking up trash in the lunch area before playing outdoors. At 12:30 p.m. the children go indoors for conversation, music, stories, and sharing. Children who leave at 2:45 p.m. choose from activities including taking walks, playing with blocks or games, playing in the dramatic play area, or doing arts and crafts. Children who stay until 5:30 p.m. have a rest period. After 2:45 p.m. the remaining four-year-olds have a snack (provided by EDP) and play outdoors until 3:45 - 4 p.m. Indoor time follows, including more choices of activities and group time. Cleanup at 5 p.m. prepares children for parents' arrival and is followed by story reading.

Five- to seven-year olds are met at their classrooms by the EDP staff. Their day begins with a snack and outdoor playtime. Children move inside at 4 p.m. After a group meeting children can choose to take walks, play with blocks or games, use the dramatic play area, or work on arts and crafts projects.

Seven- to twelve-year olds have snack and outdoor play in another area. When these children move inside at 3:30 p.m. they may go to a quiet room to begin their homework with the assistance of the EDP staff, interns and volunteers, or they may choose to do arts and crafts, play group games or board games, or do cooking or building activities.

In addition to the routines described above, occasional field trips and special activities are planned. These include, for example, a Halloween carnival, trips on the UCLA campus, and visits from experts, such as representatives of the Reptile House. All age groups also have opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities through the After School Enrichment Program.

The Early Morning Program

The number of children attending the before-school program ranges from 10 to 20. After arriving between 7 and 7:45 a.m., children eat breakfast (provided by parents), finish homework, play board games, do puzzles, draw, or engage in dramatic play (short activities). At 7:30 a.m. they go outdoors for supervised free play.

Parent-Teacher Communication

Parents are an important part of the EDP community and continuing parent-teacher conversations are essential to the program's success. Teachers meet with parents at the end of the day but also talk by phone, send notes, and arrange conferences as needed. Newsletters from the director are sent home periodically. Parents can visit or work in the program either as regular volunteers or as their schedules permit. Parents also may come to the Extended Day Program to eat lunch with their children.

Fees

The EDP depends entirely on fees from parents for its operation. The fees pay for everything from teachers' salaries to materials for program activities. Parents who qualify for reduced fees for UES also pay reduced EDP fees. Fees are due at the beginning of every month, and 30 days written notice is required for withdrawal. Questions about current fees should be directed to Sara Hernandez at (310) 206-1135.

Parent Response to the Extended Day Program

An annual survey asks parents to rate their satisfaction with various aspects of the program and invites their comments. Here is what some parents have said about the EDP:

The Extended Day Program is the perfect complement to UES. My four-year-old can stay with her friends, in the same classroom and play area. The consistency is great and the supportive staff make all the difference--for her and for my peace of mind. The hard part is getting her to leave!

The program creates a wonderful and relaxed atmosphere for the children and the staff is very good at keeping parents informed about events and activities.

I value the extended family that the program provides. My sons love everyone who is part of the program.

The teachers are warm and nurturing. My child has always felt comfortable and safe and has made deep lasting friendships with the staff and with the other children.

The staff are very sensitive to the needs of each child. They are friendly, love children, and have lots of experience working with groups of children.