After School Programs...
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the different aspects of Before and After School Programs through different disciplinary research methods. I will look at how each of the methods helps to shape not only the programs but those who attend them, in terms of how they develop the students into active producers. I will also explore how the programs affect how a society develops as well as the over all affect the programs have. The paper will examine the influences through the disciplines of, Psychology, Sociology, and Economics.
Introduction
After school programs are often broad-based, incorporating a variety of activities beyond schoolwork, a finding that comes from a discussion hosted by the American Youth Policy Forum (Rubin, 2004). The programs were mainly used to keep kids off the street and give them somewhere to go and be safe. Most programs are designed to help children to be involved in the world around them, helping them to understand it and open their world to new experiences. Such programs will optimistically challenge the children not only educationally and fundamentally, but also involve them in fun and exciting activities. But unfortunately money in terms of funding, budgeting and cost may limit the amount of exposure given that children need and deserve to develop.
First I am going to look at how the programs will help the children develop psychologically. In a study done by the American Psychological Association, they found that children who attended after school programs participated more in academic activities as well as other extracurricular activities; where informal setting day care programs had more of the children watching T.V. and hanging out, (Posner, Vandell, 1999). Basically saying that the programs encouraged the children to be more active and involved in other activities as well as be open...
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