Nationwide, nearly 10 million children attend after-school programs each year - many with disabilities. These programs allow these children the chance to develop new skills, explore interests and build relationships outside the school environment. Here in NYC there are numerous high-quality after school programs for special needs students with disabilities which provide academic and therapeutic supports that allow them to thrive both inside the classroom as well as beyond.
Parent of children with special needs often find that afterschool programs provide their child with an opportunity to socialize, connect with peers and build their confidence. According to the America After 3PM national household survey, almost three quarters of parents who have children with special needs indicated that their afterschool program provided opportunities for physical activity, STEM learning and homework or academic help.
Some after-school programs are part of public schools and mandated to offer equal support during school days as in independent settings; the former have more freedom when working with children with disabilities; although independent providers don't need a teacher present, it is still vital that they are properly trained on how to meet academic and emotional needs of their pupils with disabilities.
Staff should understand how to interact with children with autism, recognize anxiety in classmates and adhere to Section 504 and ADA requirements to protect the rights of disabled students in after-school programs. Parents are strongly advised to review the contract that will be posted publicly at their school's administrative office in order to ensure that programs adhere to relevant laws.
Additionally, it would be wise to send the program a confidential letter informing them of your child's disability and asking that they abide by all requirements related to meeting the needs of children with special needs. It would also be prudent to include a copy of their IEP or IFSP plan as evidence of such needs.
Children with disabilities often possess hidden talents that can be nurtured in after school programs. For instance, artistically inclined kids could enroll in visual arts programs like drawing classes and painting or sculpture classes; music lovers could enroll them for weekly instrument lessons; these extracurricular activities could become lifelong passions that help lead them towards fulfilling lives - who knows? One may even turn into their future career!