School-Age Program

Before & After School Care | Ages 5–12

At Sammie’s Sunshine Academy, our School-Age Program provides a safe, structured, and enriching environment for children before and after school. This program is designed to support families, reinforce positive habits, and offer meaningful enrichment—not to replace or replicate formal schooling.

Our focus is supervision, support, character development, and age-appropriate enrichment in a nurturing, faith-centered environment.

Program Purpose

The School-Age Program supports children by providing:

Reliable before and after school care

A calm space for homework completion

Enrichment activities that promote creativity, confidence, and social growth

Supervised recreation and peer interaction

This program is not a homeschool or academic instruction program and does not replace a child’s primary school education.

What Children Experience in Our School-Age Program?

Academic Support!

  • Designated time and quiet space for homework completion

  • Adult supervision and encouragement

  • Assistance with organization and task completion when needed

Staff support children by guiding and encouraging—not by teaching new academic content.c content.

Enrichment & Exploration

  • Arts and crafts

  • STEM-inspired activities and problem-solving games

  • Reading for enjoyment

  • Group projects and creative play

These activities promote curiosity, creativity, and confidence outside the classroom.

Physical Activity & Recreation

  • Outdoor play and movement activities (weather permitting)

  • Organized games and free play

  • Opportunities to release energy after the school day

Social & Emotional Development

  • Cooperative games and group activities

  • Guidance in communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution

  • Building friendships and positive peer relationships

Faith & Character Development

Faith is integrated through values-based guidance and daily interactions in a formal instruction.

Children experience:

  • Encouragement rooted in kindness, gratitude, and respect

  • Positive role modeling from caregivers

  • Opportunities to practice integrity, responsibility, and compassion

Positive Guidance & Behavior Support

We use positive behavior guidance strategies that support responsibility and respect, including:

  • Clear expectations and consistent routines

  • Redirection and problem-solving

  • Encouragement of accountability and self-control

Discipline is instructional, supportive, and never punitive.

Family Communication & Partnership

We value strong communication with families. Our School-Age staff:

  • Share updates as needed regarding behavior or concerns

  • Communicate scheduling and program information clearly

  • Partner with families to support each child’s well-being

Health, Safety & Licensing Compliance

Our School-Age Program operates in accordance with Indiana child care licensing requirements, ensuring:

  • Appropriate supervision at all times

  • Safe arrival and departure procedures

  • Clean, secure environments

  • Age-appropriate activities and routines

Daily Routine (Before & After School)

Our School-Age Program follows a predictable and flexible routine, which may include:

Before School

  • Arrival and supervised quiet activities

  • Breakfast or snack (if applicable)

  • Preparation for school departure

After School

  • Arrival and check-in

  • Snack and decompression time

  • Homework support

  • Enrichment activities or recreation

  • Structured play and relaxation

All activities are supervised and adapted to the age and needs of the children.