Caring for School-Age Children Chapter 8 Program Planning Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) Age appropriate Individually appropriate Culturally appropriate A program that subscribes to DAP is one that incorporates these these aspects of appropriateness into every aspect of the program. An age appropriate program considers what is known about the developmental level of the age children in the program. Individually appropriateness is when each individuals developmental level and needs are considered when planning. Lastly, each child’s culture is respected and embraced in programs. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Academic vs. Holistic Approach Academic: plan curriculum according to preset goals Holistic: plan curriculum around the children’s abilities and interests Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

What are the benefits of planning in your personal life? Personal Reflection What are the benefits of planning in your personal life? Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

The Importance of Planning Avoids chaos Ensures a variety of opportunities to stimulate children Allows staff time to gather materials Lessens conflict between children Ensures goals are met Helps keep parents informed of program activities Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

What Should Be Included? Routine events Activities that encourage children’s play interests Group and individual activities Time to meet special needs Activities that re-create everyday experiences Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Organizing the Program Independent projects Group activities Interest centers Field trips Clubs Spontaneous activities Community involvement Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. Elements in a Schedule Arrival Snack Outdoor activity time Club time Homework Group time Indoor activity time Closure After lecturing on each element and its importance, students can work in small groups to examine each of the activity elements. If you were planning an before-after school program for children, which elements would you include? How much time should be committed to each element? Students can then create a daily schedule. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.