Students attending AYS before- and after-school programs receive a wide range of benefits. In addition to having a safe place to go during out-of-school time, AYS before- and after-school programs offer a variety of activities on a regular weekly basis, including physical activity, homework, reading, arts enrichment, community service, and youth-directed activities. Students also have the opportunity to socialize with peers and join clubs. Several AYS programs are accredited by the National Afterschool Association (NAA).
Before- and after-school programs involve students from different classrooms and grade levels, with varying abilities and levels of competence. The curriculum must be varied, interactive, challenging, yet structured, to meet this wide range of age and ability. Hired tutors and special enrichment opportunities are incorporated, as funding and special grants are received.
Art Enrichment
AYS began to focus on the arts as an enrichment opportunity in 2000, when it partnered with Putumayo World Music. Each year, the program focuses on the arts of one or more areas of the world. As a result of the arts enrichment component of the AYS curriculum, the organization developed and presented the AYS Mardi Gras Mambo Parade in 2001. The results of AYS arts enrichment can also be seen at various performances and displays in Central Indiana.
Health Enrichment
In response to the rising concern about childhood obesity, AYS began focusing on health enrichment in the fall of 2004 with a grant from Anthem. Through the initiative, AYS encourages more physical activity and healthier food choices for children. AYS uses Clarian's Jump Kids Jump curriculum and Marion County Health Department's Kids Cook curriculum.
Kindergarten
The AYS kindergarten wrap-around programs complement half-day kindergarten programs provided by school districts.All-day kindergarten provides a solid academic base onto which children build well into the future. All-day kindergarten also benefits parents, by easing financial and transportation worries that may otherwise impede work performance and attendance for parents./span>The programs use the school districts curricula, based on the school district in which the program runs. The AYS kindergarten directors attend professional development sessions and work closely with the kindergarten teachers to coordinate lesson plans and activities to supplement the school curriculum. Kindergartners who also attend the after-school program are engaged in activities appropriate for their age level.
