- 1). Clarify state licensing regulations for an after-school program. This helps determine adequate play space, appropriate materials and required adult-to-child ratios.
- 2). Set up an outdoor play area that fits within licensing parameters for size based on the number of anticipated children. Include a sandbox, swings, climbing equipment and lots of running space for activities. Quiet areas, such as picnic tables, are good for those who need a break.
- 3). Use child-sized furniture for the indoor play area. Children should be able to safely reach all of their activities without climbing. They should also be able to comfortably sit at tables.
- 4). Make the floor comfortable with carpeting, area rugs or mats. Some children prefer to work on the floor, and some activities are designed for use on the floor.
- 5). Provide a variety of activities appropriate to the age groups in your program. Children of all ages enjoy arts and crafts, games, dramatic play, dolls, dress-up and building.
- 6). Include a snack area where children can eat when hungry without the worries about spilling.
- 7). Add a quiet area with a rocking chair and pillows. This is a place for tired children to rest or for others to read and relax.
- 8). Provide basic reference materials, such as dictionaries, encyclopedias and child-friendly computers, for those school-aged children who have homework to complete.
- 9). Set up a general schedule for the day. Allow for both structured and unstructured gross motor play as well as independent downtime. Circle time provides time to review rules, read stories, sing songs and build community.