OUT OF SCHOOL CARE
Reliable Before and After School Care to Nurture Growth and Development
The Maple Ridge Child Care Society Out-of-School Care Program provides before- and after-school care for
school-aged children. The program provides a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where children can
receive care before and after their regular school day.
PROGRAM
GOALS
The Out-of-School Care Program aims to provide children with a safe and supportive environment where they can:
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Develop positive relationships with peers and educators.
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Build independence and confidence.
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Participate in physical activity and outdoor play.
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Explore their interests and creativity.
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Develop problem-solving and social skills.
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Experience a balance between structured and unstructured play.
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Have opportunities to relax and decompress after their school day.
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Feel a sense of belonging within the program.
MAPLE RIDGE CHILDCARE SOCIETY
Out of School Care
The daily schedule is intended to provide consistency while allowing flexibility to respond to children's interests, needs, school schedules, weather, and other circumstances.
*Weather permitting, children participate in outdoor play and physical activity. Outdoor experiences may include playground activities, organized games, sports, nature exploration, and child-directed play.
When outdoor play is not appropriate due to weather or other circumstances, staff provide alternative indoor physical activities and experiences.
7:00 am - 8:00 am
Arrival & morning activities
8:00 am - 8:30 am
Transition to School
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
School Day
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Snack time
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Outdoor/Active play*
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Child-directed & Planned Activities
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Transition & departure
OUR PROGRAM FOUNDATION
A Safe Place to Explore, Develop & Belong
The program supports children's social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs through a balance of structured activities, free play, outdoor play, quiet activities, and opportunities for children to make choices and participate in age-appropriate experiences.
Child-Directed Free Play
Children will be given the opportunity to play freely within the Centre, allowing them to develop friendships, grow their personalities and use imagination.
Quiet Activity Time
School days may be overwhelming, should it be desired, quiet areas are set up where children can read, work on homework or simply reset before or after their school day.
Physical Activity & Sports
On days when weather does not permit, our centre will create opportunities indoors to participate in physical activity. Activities to reduce stress, and promote physical health are demonstrated to children.
Imaginative & Dramatic Play
Stations including dress up, and real-life play are provided where children can use their imaginations to create scenarios independently or with friends.
Games & Puzzles
Individual, partner and group board games, card games and puzzles are available for children to explore while in the out of school program to develop critical thinking & social skills while development engagement.
Arts & Crafts
Stations are designed to allow children to use various materials and substrates to express creativity through art. Children can develop fine motor skills, express emotions and build social skills through hands on play.
Building & Construction
Stations are created with blocks, Lego and other materials to allow children to develop critical cognitive function while engaging in imagination and problem solving.
Group Activities
Group activities are created to promote friendship building and awareness of others. Our goal is to allow children to meet new people, and create friendships while in our program.
Reading & Literacy
Children will have the opportunity to read and write openly at the centre. This will allow children to build strong language skills, boost brain development & foster emotional growth.
Outdoor Experiences
Outdoor play is an important component to out of school care. Children will be encouraged to participate in outdoor activities daily to promote physical and emotional wellbeing.
STEM & Problem-Solving
Activities and stations are created to promote learning through play. Our activities promote trial and error building to teach children how to troubleshoot and find solutions.
Child Choice/Participation
The program recognizes that school-aged children benefit from having meaningful choices in how they spend
their time. Opportunities will be given where children have a chance to make choices freely while in care.
Full-Service Program for Out of School Care
Summer Club Program
MRCS offers the same services to families throughout the summer through our Summer Club Program. Full day/partial days are available for children through the summer months. Summer Club differs from regular care as we try to promote more activities, outside play and fieldtrips to make the children feel like they are attending a summer camp type setting, rather than daycare.
After School Programming
At MRCS, we understand the importance of after school programs and student involvement. If children are involved in school related activities, these are noted to the staff by the parents/guardians and the schedule for the activity. Children can complete their activity and then take part in out-of-school care after the activity is completed.