--- title: "Choosing an After School Extended Day Program: A Guide" description: What should you look for when choosing a quality After School Extended Day Program? Sanford School’s Ann Davis offers a guide. image: https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/sanford_school_extended_day-1.jpeg --- Search - [mySANFORD HUB](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app/) [![Sanford School](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/master-logo-horizontal-nofounded.png)](https://www.sanfordschool.org/) - [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission) - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/discover-sanford-school) - [Why Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford) - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford) - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/upper-school-shadow-days) - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/tuition) - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/financial-aid) - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/scholarships) - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/international-admission) - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/request-information) - [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford) - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/lower-school) - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/upper-school) - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/stem-education) - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/honor-code) - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/college-counseling) - [College Counseling Process](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-process) - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/libraries) - [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs) - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/the-sanford-experience) - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/athletics) - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/physical-education-and-health) - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/health) - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/the-arts) - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/before-and-after-school-care) - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/after-school-enrichment-programs) - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/community-service) - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/school-counseling) - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/dining-services) - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/summers-at-sanford) - [Student Life](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life) - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/community-service) - [Dining Services](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/dining-services) - [Spirit Store](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/spirit-store) - [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar) - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/school-news) - [Education Matters](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/) - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/social-mashup) - [Sanford News Network](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/sanford-news-network) - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/calendar) - [Sanford Speaks Podcast](http://sanfordspeaks.libsyn.com/) - [Auction 2019](https://sanfordschool.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/Sanfords30thAnnualAuction/tabid/1027331/Default.aspx) - [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving) - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/why-support-sanford) - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/ways-to-give) - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/planned-giving) - [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about) - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/head-of-school-welcome) - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/school-review) - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/mission-and-principles) - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/contacts-and-directory) - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/history-and-traditions) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/board-of-trustees) - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/sustainability) - [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission) - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school) - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/how-to-apply) - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/upper-school-shadow-days) - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/tuition) - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/financial-aid) - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/scholarships) - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/international-admission) - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/request-information) - [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford) - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/lower-school) - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/upper-school) - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/stem-education) - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/honor-code) - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [College Counseling Process](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-process) - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/libraries) - [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs) - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-sanford-experience) - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/athletics) - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/physical-education-and-health) - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/health) - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-arts) - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/before-and-after-school-care) - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/after-school-enrichment-programs) - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/community-service) - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/school-counseling) - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/dining-services) - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/summers-at-sanford) - [Student Life](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life) - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/community-service) - [Dining Services](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/dining-services) - [Spirit Store](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/spirit-store) - [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar) - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/school-news) - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/calendar) - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/social-mashup) - [Sanford News Network](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/sanford-news-network) - [Education Matters](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/) - [Video Gallery](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/video-gallery) - [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving) - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/why-support-sanford) - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/ways-to-give) - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/planned-giving) - [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about) - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/head-of-school-welcome) - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/school-review) - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/mission-and-principles) - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/contacts-and-directory) - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/history-and-traditions) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/board-of-trustees) - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/sustainability) - [Apply](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply) - [Parents](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents) - [Home and School Association](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents/home-and-school-association) - [Alumni](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni) - [Welcome Back!](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back) - [Stay in Touch](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch) - [Get Involved](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved) - [Apply](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply) - [Parents](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents) - [Home and School Association](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents/home-and-school-association) - [Alumni](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni) - [Welcome Back!](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back) - [Stay in Touch](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch) - [Get Involved](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved) # EDUCATION MATTERS—SANFORD SCHOOL'S PRIVATE SCHOOL BLOG *Learn more about current school issues and trends from Sanford School’s educational experts.  Sanford’s blog is sure to help you navigate your child’s educational journey.* ## Choosing an After School Extended Day Program: A Guide Posted by [Ann Davis](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/author/ann-davis) on January 4, 2016 at 3:00 PM ![Ann Davis](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Employee_Photos/Davis_Ann.jpg) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![sanford_school_extended_day-1](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sanford_school_extended_day-1.jpeg?width=300&name=sanford_school_extended_day-1.jpeg)If you’re a working parent, ask yourself what hours in your child’s school day cause you the most concern. If you’re thinking of those critical hours between 3 PM and 6 PM, according to research conducted by [The Afterschool Alliance](http://afterschoolalliance.org), you’re not alone. The need for before- and after-school care for school-aged children makes a top-notch Extended Day program an integral part of an education decision. To ensure the highest quality of care and comfort for each child at the start and end of a busy day, a good Extended Day program should offer parents and school-aged students opportunities that are: - Affordable - Accessible  - Age appropriate - Secure - *Fun!* Extended Day professionals understand that students in different age groups have varied academic, psychological, and physical needs. To accommodate these considerations, they strive to provide a variety of settings, activities, and staff to best support each child. ####  **A Good Extended Day Program** 1. Provides structure with flexibility: Students need a balance between structured activities and unstructured time when they are free to choose their own activities.  2. Offers a variety of age appropriate activities: It is important for students to have a wide range of activities that provide a mix of social, physical, and emotional skills and that meet their unique interests. 3. Provides help with homework and a dedicated homework space. #### **What to look for in an Extended Day Program** 1. Does the staff consist of responsible and caring adults who really enjoy working with children? ![barb.jpg](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Faculty_and_Student_Photos/barb.jpg?width=320&name=barb.jpg "barb.jpg")What is the ratio of staff to student? Have the staff members passed background checks? 2. Is the program flexible to accommodate parents’ schedules? 3. How does the staff ensure that only approved adults can pick up students? 4. Is the program in a safe, clean and spacious environment? Are there enough bathrooms? 5. Is the space decorated in an inviting and age appropriate way for the size and age of the children? 6. Does the program offer After School Enrichment Programs such as soccer, cooking, chess, etc.? 7. Are healthy snacks provided? Are they considerate of serious food allergies? 8. Can the students come before school and on holidays as well as in the afternoon? At [Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/ExtendedCare), we’ve crafted an Extended Day program that incorporates all of these things. In partnership with local recreation programs, we offer karate, soccer, chess, rugby, archery, musical theater, and other activities on our campus after school. These enrichment programs have been popular with all our students, whether they typically stay after school or not. It’s a great way to keep kids active and give them a chance to try new things. The best feeling for our staff members is when a parent appears at the door, and a child asks for “just one more minute.” Child care is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. A high-quality program that makes a smooth transition from the school day to Extended Day care benefits everyone. Not only does it set the stage for a positive afternoon with friends, any parent can tell you that picking up a content child at the end of a long day can make for a more pleasant evening reconnecting with one another until it’s time to do it all again tomorrow. --- *Ann Davis is the former Director of Extended Day at Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware. She currently works in the Business Office.* ---   Topics: [After-School Programs](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/after-school-programs) [![Register for a Tour of Sanford School Today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/701565/e1e66f9c-c920-4456-90ee-3abd44e94300.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/701565/e1e66f9c-c920-4456-90ee-3abd44e94300) ### Subscribe Via Email ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Parenting Tips (73)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/parenting-tips) - [Education (64)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/education) - [Health & Wellness (45)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/health-wellness) - [Academics (42)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/academics) - [Community (35)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/community) - [Elementary Education (16)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/elementary-education) - [STEM (15)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/stem) - [Summer (15)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/summer) - [Diversity (13)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/diversity) - [Arts (12)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/arts) - [Sanford School (11)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/sanford-school) - [High School Experience (10)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/high-school-experience) - [Athletics (9)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/athletics) - [College Guidance (9)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/college-guidance) - [Admission (8)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/admission) - [Financial Aid (7)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/financial-aid) - [Middle School (7)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/middle-school) - [Affordability (6)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/affordability) - [Distance Learning (6)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/distance-learning) - [Alumni (4)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/alumni) - [School Counseling (4)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/school-counseling) - [Preschool (3)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/preschool) - [After-School Programs (1)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/after-school-programs) see all ## Sanford School [6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/6900+Lancaster+Pike+Hockessin+DE+19707) Phone: [302.235.6500](tel:302.235.6500) Email: [admission@sanfordschool.org](mailto:admission@sanfordschool.org) - [![pais](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571018_49581.png)](https://www.paispa.org/index.cfm) - [![nais](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571017_49580.png)](http://www.nais.org/Pages/default.aspx) - [![advis](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571015_49579.png)](http://www.advis.org/RelId/33637/ISvars/default/Home.htm) ## Connect With Us - [![facebook](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571026_49585.png)](https://www.facebook.com/SanfordSchool) - [![twitter](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571024_49584.png)](https://twitter.com/sanfordwarrior) - [![instagram](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571023_49583.png)](https://www.instagram.com/sanfordwarrior/) ## No Talent Lies Latent Located on a beautiful 100-acre campus in Hockessin, Delaware, Sanford School is a college-prep [private school](http://mainsite.sanfordschool.onmessagestaging.com/Page/Admission/Why-Private-School?) for boys and girls in preschool (age 3) through high school. Open Sitemap - [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission) - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school) - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/how-to-apply) - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/upper-school-shadow-days) - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/tuition) - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/financial-aid) - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/scholarships) - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/international-admission) - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/request-information) - [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford) - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/lower-school) - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/upper-school) - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/stem-education) - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/honor-code) - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/libraries) - [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs) - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-sanford-experience) - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/athletics) - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/physical-education-and-health) - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/health) - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-arts) - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/before-and-after-school-care) - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/after-school-enrichment-programs) - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/community-service) - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/school-counseling) - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/dining-services) - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/summers-at-sanford) - [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar) - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/school-news) - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/calendar) - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/social-mashup) - [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving) - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/why-support-sanford) - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/ways-to-give) - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/planned-giving) - [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about) - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/head-of-school-welcome) - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/school-review) - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/mission-and-principles) - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/contacts-and-directory) - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/history-and-traditions) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/board-of-trustees) - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/sustainability)