The responsibility for who will educate today's youth is shifting. Where the parents, schools, and the community once contributed an equal share to the teaching of our youth, a deficit is now occurring.
Extension can provide the assurance that educational needs of today's youth are being met.
National studies show that children left at home alone are bored, lonely, and at the highest risk to fall into negative behavior patterns ranging from violent crime to excessive television use. Patterned after similar Extension programs in the state, school-age children in kindergarten through sixth grades are bussed to central elementary school locations, which operate from school release until 6 p.m. during the regular school calendar, including early release days. Activities each day include recreational time, a nutritious snack, directed enrichment programs, and a homework club. Programs such as these also facilitate the teaching of life skills and support the development of friendships. Parents, school-age care staff, school district principals, and teachers are complimentary regarding the program.