June 20, 2020

Let’s not forget about afterschool programs

By Ardith Wieworka on June 20, 2020

“I MISS MY FRIENDS.” “Sometimes my teacher doesn’t see me when I raise my hand.” “Coronavirus makes me sad.” “When this is over, I hope I can go with Mom to a store.”

Children across the Commonwealth are experiencing life in a new dimension. Their routines are disrupted; their school year suspended, their social interactions now impersonal. The uncertainty and fear of this moment has been traumatizing for them. Closed schools, social isolation, food scarcity, or parental unemployment have destabilized many kids’ support systems and may have lasting effects on their academic performance and mental health.

Before these children can get out from behind their screens and go back to school, all the ways we support their academic and social-emotional growth will have to be adapted to meet their needs and safety in unprecedented ways. Traditional school, out-of-school-time, and afterschool programs will need to evolve as they are called on to play a larger role in supporting parents, educators, and communities.

If anything, the virus has brought the indispensability of afterschool programs into stark relief. Afterschool programs are already providing emergency support services for mostly low-income families who have lost or are expected to lose their jobs, providing meals or food delivery, and providing virtual learning and social-emotional services to students.