Why Schools Need the Help of A Children’s Education Franchise

Researchers from the Urban Institute found that about one in five children ages 6 to 12 spend their after-school hours without supervision. Spending this window of time unsupervised comes with significant risk, not only to kids’ personal safety, but also to their academic performance and mental health. This means that parents, children, and schools can all benefit from keeping kids busy and supervised after school with the help of an iKids U children’s education franchise.

Personal Safety

In the hours after school, millions of children fend for themselves while their parents finish up at work. This opens up countless opportunities for kids to get into trouble. According to the Afterschool Alliance, youth crime is the most rampant in the hours after school. Luckily, after-school programs provide a great way to keep kids from being involved in, or victimized by, crime. Not only do these programs provide adult supervision to students, but they put students in a group with other kids who are occupied with positive activities. This gives them a sense of purpose, helping to keep them off the streets and out of harm’s way.

Academic Performance

After-school programs often offer academic support and fun educational activities that are usually less restrictive than their classes at school, and more conducive to creativity and self-expression. This keeps their minds stimulated and helps to instill a love of learning that can last for the rest of their lives. After-school programs have also been proven to result in significantly higher attendance rates. This improved motivation, attendance, and academic performance is a good incentive for both parents and teachers to involve kids in after-school programs like iKids U.

Mental Health and Behavior

According to this 2015 study by Latchkey Children, kids who are left alone after school risk experiencing a range of serious issues, including depression, emotional and behavioral problems, learning difficulties, and more. These problems can influence all other areas of a child’s life, and can even result in permanent damage to self-esteem and mental health. Childen who feel they are not getting enough support may also act out in school, resulting in punishment and a poor academic track record. After-school programs can not only prevent harmful isolation after school, but can also provide a range of mental health benefits, actively helping to improve social skills and give children a sense of well-being.

At iKids U, we understand the importance of keeping children happy, safe, and productive after school. If you would like to join our mission to make a difference in kids’ lives by spreading the benefits of after-school programs, contact us to learn more about our children’s education franchise opportunity.