Getting out into the community and letting people know what they do and how their work links to the educational goals of parents and teachers is a critical step in professionalizing the field. He has earned his credentials through years of participation in elementary and middle school after-school programs. In short, through his love for basketball he has developed kinesthetic, visual, spatial, linguistic and interpersonal intelligences. His reading, writing, math, critical analysis, communication and leadership skills have also been advanced through these activities. And yet, these are all examples of play-based, experiential learning.
Children learn all day long, in and out of school.
Their learning is supported when their fundamental needs for security, caring relationships with adults and enriching activities are met. Quality school-age programming fulfills these needs, along with support for children's culture and language. Children also benefit from communication and caring relationships between school staff and program staff. We believe that both systems play a role in supporting children's learning and development, and both have strengths to enhance each other. Donna has been instrumental in opening dialogue with district administrators.