116Kids

All Students

Our program is intentionally designed around the idea that play time, down time, and access to the arts are important to children’s overall well-being. Throughout the full 2.5 hours of programming, we incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) both in intentional, explicit ways and through the everyday experiences of play, collaboration, problem-solving, friendship, creativity, and reflection. Children practice skills such as communication, cooperation, self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, problem-solving, and building positive relationships. Sometimes these skills are taught explicitly through planned activities and conversations. Other times, they develop naturally as children navigate a game, collaborate on a project, resolve a disagreement, make a choice, or encourage a friend. We have the unique privilege of watching our students grow and develop as they move through the elementary grades. Along the way, our program nurtures their growing independence, confidence, and ability to take ownership of their experiences.

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We offer an extensive range of activities tailored to elementary school children that will spark your child’s curiosity, interest, and attention. Our students will hone their talents or discover new interests, all while having fun and making friends. With classes in performing and visual arts, STEM, languages other than English, cooking, sports, playtime, and more, your children will have exciting options to choose from each day. Children are grouped by age, and sometimes by level and ability. Our classes are led by PS116 teachers and outside instructors.​

 

Snack & Down Time

Each afternoon begins with 30 minutes of snack time. This is more than a time to eat. It gives children an opportunity to transition out of the school day, socialize with friends, borrow a book from our student-run 116Kids library cart, decompress, and prepare for the afternoon ahead. 

We recognize that children are coming to us after a full day of learning and that they need time to slow down, reconnect, and reset. This daily transition is an important part of our program.

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Active Play Every Day

Children benefit from regular opportunities for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Our after-school program provides time each day for children to move, play, and be active in ways that are engaging and fun.

Weather permitting, children will have 30–60 minutes of active play each day, often taking place outdoors in our yard. On days with inclement weather, we move indoors to our gym and larger spaces, such as the music and dance rooms, so students can stay active, engaged, and comfortable. Activities may include games, free play, sports, movement activities, and other opportunities to build healthy habits while having fun.

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Meaningful Enrichment and Learning

We believe every child deserves meaningful, engaging experiences during their time with us. At least 60 minutes of each afternoon is dedicated to enrichment programming. Our classes provide opportunities for children to explore their interests, develop new skills, express themselves creatively, and build relationships.

Depending on the class, children might:

• Create and experiment through music, visual arts, or performing arts

• Explore a new language or culture

• Learn about cooking, try new recipes, and develop practical kitchen skills

• Explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on projects and experiments

• Discover new books, share ideas, and build a love of reading through book clubs

• Move our bodies with sports and dance

• Engage in imaginative and collaborative play

• Develop new skills and interests

• Ask questions, solve problems, and explore ideas

• Build confidence, independence, and friendships

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Please remember to let your child's classroom teacher know which days they will be attending 116Kids. ​​​

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Dismissal for all classes is at 5pm.​​ Dismissal time is strictly enforced. All students will join our Extended Hour if a parent/caregiver has not yet arrived by 5:10pm, and a $15 drop-in fee will be charged. There is a $20 fee for late pick-up between 6:01-6:15. The Late Fee increases to $40 for late pick-up between 6:16-6:30. After 6:30, the Late Fee increases to $50. Subsequent late pick-ups may result in expulsion from our program. Please avoid these fees by always picking up your child on time.

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Early Dismissal Policy: If you need to pick up your child early, you must notify 116Kids in advance by email or voicemail. No early pickups can be accommodated before 3:15pm or after 4:45pm, as all staff are preparing for class transitions at those times. Parents will not be permitted to go to the 116Kids room; a staffer will bring your child to you.

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Cell Phone/Internet-Enabled Devices Policy: All students enrolled in 116Kids must abide by the school's cell phone policy. Please make sure that your children know that the PS116 cell phone policy applies to all on-site after-school programs. Cell phones/internet-enabled devices should stay in the "off" position and remain in the student's backpack while they are on school premises. If your child needs to reach you during our program, they can let our staff know and staff will be the conduit for all communications. If you would like to view the full PS116 cell phone policy, please visit: https://www.ps116.org/cell-phone-electronics

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Emergency/Accident Procedures: If your child becomes ill or is hurt while at our program, he/she will be brought immediately to a designated safe area.  For any significant illness or injury, the parent/guardian will be immediately notified by phone. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be called. If no one can be reached, a letter will be sent home in the child’s book bag. For serious medical problems, staff will call 911 immediately. 

Staff are on site every day that are certified in CPR/AED, first aid, and Epi-pen administration. If your child is in need of medication, the parent/guardian will be immediately notified by phone and/or staff will call 911. If your child has allergies and needs medication, either occasionally or frequently, you must notify us at time of enrollment so that we may keep your child safe. 

Please respect our policies as they are in place to keep your children safe.