After school programs

[Angela Hudson]

Does anyone have a recommendation for after-school care? This fall
will be the first year that I'm working outside of the home and do not
have an evening sitter, so I am looking into hiring a part-time nanny
or enrolling my son in an afterschool program. I haven't had the best
luck with the nanny search thus far, and when I think of afterschool
programs, I think of kids running amuck with no structure.

The one program I looked into that did seem to offer an academic-
focused program with the appropriate amount of structure was Ace
Afterschool Program (http://www.aceafterschool.com/html/
afterschool_programs.html). What I gather from friends, the website
and the assistant director is that classes are divided by grade, there
is a structured schedule for homework (homework is checked and
additional assistance/tutoring is available) and in-house activities
(including piano, guitar and pottery). They will even transport to/
from karate, tennis and other activities if they're located w/in 5
miles (for a small fee).

However, I don't yet know if they currently transport from Sablatura.
I will have to wait until the director returns this week to learn
more. But the assistant director with whom I spoke said that although
they may not currently transport from Sab, that they specifically
target audiences that have a stronger academic interest, so with the
GTA now at Sab, they may be interested in starting a route from
there.

So I'm wondering if:
a. anyone has any experience with Ace's program and would care to
share insight
b. anyone would be interested in Ace's afterschool program for the
coming year
c. anyone (who works full-time outside of the home) has any other
ideas/recommendations for structured afterschool options

Thanks!

[Ananth Annapragada]

I would recommend bushi ban, at 518 and Cullen. They are a martial arts school with an after school program where the kids get some physical activity as well as academic activity via a math-science tutoring program in the same shopping center that they have a tie up with. I guess it helps that the owner, sensei barley has a masters in materials science and is an ex NASA and Quantum Chemicals scientist. My daughter has been going there for martial arts for the last 5 years, and while we have never used the after school program, I can vouch for the place on the whole. Finally, the office manager, Sofia ha, who is also an instructor, has two GT kids, and I am pretty sure they will be going to the GTA.

[Denee Koonce]

I was going to recommend Bushi Ban also. I like that they teach the kids good values. My 7-yr-old son was having problems with fighting in school last and Sensei Barley took the time to sit down with the two of us for half an hour after karate class was over and talk to him about other options and how to handle bullies without getting yourself in trouble. My sons take karate there, but not the after school program, however, I do know a few other parents with kids in the after school program who have good things to say.

On another note, we have a nanny, who is awesome (!) that I found through www.sittercity.com if you are at all still interested in that route. I posted a job, weeded out candidates, did a background check and double checked references through them in addition to the in-person interviews. I also interviewed with College Nannies and Tutors which is a nanny agency in Clearlake and liked them also, although they were a bit expensive. Good luck with your search.

Denee Koonce

[Melissa Zilembo]

Hello Angela,
Have you found out any additional information on ACE? My issue is that
Dominic has ADHD and needs to get his homework done immediately after
school before his medication wears off. Finding a place where they
make that a priority is difficult but ACE sounds good.

I also was thinking about the possibility of "Nanny Sharing". I have
had an after school tutor for the kids before and it works really
well. If someone is interested in combining resources, I would be glad
to discuss it. Typically the cost is $50-60 per week, per child. I
have hosted the kids in my house and it has worked out nicely. Let me
know if you are interested.

I would really like to keep the focus on academics but if I don't
arrange something else, I will probably keep the kids at Kids-r-Kids
over on Pearland Parkway. They have an awesome staff and the kids love
it there. It is a little too loud to focus on homework.

[Angela Hudson]

Melissa,

We are in the same boat. I had an after-school sitter, but she did not
assist Clark with his homework or supervise him very well while he was
supposed to be doing it. There were just too many times that we'd come
home and it wasn't complete. By the time we'd get home in the
evenings, his medication has worn off and his concentration is not
there and it made for a lot of frustration for everyone. So I
understand what you mean - I need him to get on his homework and
complete it soon after school.

I learned yesterday that ACE is indeed including Sablatura on the
route for the fall because some of their existing students are in the
GT Academy. I enrolled Clark yesterday. They have tutoring available
for $30/hour, but I don't know how private it is. I would be very open
to sharing the cost of a private tutor. Please email me off-line:
angela...@gmail.com.

Thanks!

[Melissa]

I signed Dominic up for the 21st Century Community learning center. This is grant based and no charge to the family. http://www.pearlandisd.org/popup_info.cfm?story=718

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