Upcoming Events
Click here for Information on planning and registering your Lights On Afterschool Event please.
Past Events
Lights On Afterschool!
Governor Jim Risch signed a proclamation on October 6th to support after-school programs throughout Idaho and demonstrate support for the Idaho Afterschool Alliance (IAA). Over 200 kids from Boise to Payette representing the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Meridian, Payette County 4-H After-School Program, Payette Primary School and West Side Elementary from Payette, operating with a 21st Century grant, joined the Governor for an event entitled, Lights On Afterschool!
Only 9 percent of Idaho’s children and teens participate in an organized after-school program. Nationwide, between 2 million and 6 million youngsters under 13 regularly care for themselves, and 44% of families do not have any regular after-school care for their children. Studies show that children are most at risk during the hours of 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. when juvenile crime triples and children are most likely to be involved in risky behavior.
While concerns about unsupervised children pressure families, they also profoundly affect employers. Polling shows that 87 percent of working mothers say the hours after school are when they are most concerned about their children's safety, and this “after school stress” can lead to distraction that causes lower productivity, high turnover and absenteeism. Studies reveal 80 percent of employees with children miss work because of childcare problems. IAA is working toward partnerships with businesses to support after-school programming. The IAA emerged as a result of the After-School Summit sponsored by the National Governor’s Association. The summit brought together over 115 after-school providers from around the state to begin networking.
The IAA invites other after-school providers throughout Idaho to join by contacting Shelli Rambo Roberson at rambos@dhw.idaho.gov and become involved, network, share information and promote quality statewide programs.
Another statewide effort to promote after-school programs is to register programs with the Idaho CareLine. Idaho CareLine, accessed through calling 2-1-1, connects programs and services to the needs of the people who call.
To register in the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine program go online at www.idahocareline.org.
Currently, the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine has 3382 programs and services available and averages 14,000 calls monthly. However, many local programs such as faith-based, youth groups and organizations, and service clubs that serve Idaho’s families and children are not listed in the system.
For information contact, Shelli Rambo Roberson IGCAPP Executive Director 208-334-2284.
Read Across America/Dr. Seuss Celebration
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Afterschool Program from School District #25 in Pocatello joined the statewide celebration of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday in March.
Each of the four centers kicked off their celebration in February. The afterschool students were encouraged to read library books and take Accelerated Reader (AR) tests as often as possible. Students who passed their AR tests with a minimum score of 80% were given a ticket for a prize drawing. A variety of prizes were awarded culminating with the grand prize – The-Cat-in-the-Hat hat. Over 400 books were read in 5 weeks.
The students participated in several The-Cat-in-the-Hat activities, including pin the hat, tail and bowtie on the cat. The celebration ended with a Dr. Seuss birthday cake.
Pictured: Students from the 21st CCLC Afterschool Program at Washington Elementary in Pocatello.