During the school year, we want the children in our program to feel like they are coming “home” from school and child care should not be just an extension of their school day. A group art or activity time is available each afternoon, which is offered to the children, but is participation is optional. We feel children have had a very structured day and this is the time when they should be able to make choices of how they spend their afternoon. They have wide array of choices such as computer, outdoor play, self-direct art activities (they may use materials to make art projects anytime, not just group times), play games, legos, knex, puzzles, participate in any of our centers (dramatic play, blocks, sand/water, etc.) or watch a limited amount of TV. After they have had a snack and an opportunity to get some of their energy out or relax, we have home work time. We understand that families have busy lives and between work, supper, daily chores and the children‘s activities, time is very precious. Therefore we make homework a priority and set aside time for individual help for each child.