Real and Found Materials

Instructional goals can often be achieved with "found", donated or made items.  These materials or supplies also add a "real" dimension to the instructional program and can be a cost saving measure.  The following list of such materials can enhance the instructional centers and activities in your after school program.

Math

Acorns, seeds, beans, nuts in shells        Bottle caps           Buttons

Clothespins                                                 Colored pasta      Ice cream sticks

Jewelry                                                         Mittens                  Nuts, bolts, washers

Paper clips                                                  Seashells             Socks

Playing cards                                               Rulers, tape measures

Dice                                                              Dominos

Laundry scoops and detergent container tops

Dramatic Play

Backpacks                    Baby clothes                     Brief case and file folders

Broom                            Canister set                      Canteens

Cookbooks                    Coupons                           Costumes

Clocks                            Coffee pot                         Diaper bag

Dinner plates (plastic)   Dishcloths                        Dustpan

Gardening gloves          Pet dish                            Picnic basket

Placemats                      Plants                                Plastic/silk flowers

Play money                    Potholders                        Sports outfits (jerseys, helmets,)

Suitcases       

Outdoor    

Blanket/tablecloth/flat sheet (in place of a parachute)

Cheerleader pom poms

Frisbees                         Kites and string              Magnifiers

Old tires for climbing    Potato sacks                   Squirt bottles

Traffic signs (made from new toilet plungers and cardboard signs)

Wicker baskets (to balance and carry on heads)

The posting requirements for your school age program are another area where the SAC registrars discover numerous violations. Coming into compliance in this area is an easy fix. Take a few minutes now to gather each document  and post them in your program space. If your program is in shared space, purchase a tri-fold foam board to post the requirements listed below.  This board is easy to set up, break down and store each day.    

In your school age program, you are required to post or display conspicuously in a place where parents have free and daily access the following documents and information: 

1. The Office's school-age child care program regulations. Click here to download the regulations.  
2. The name(s), addresses and telephone numbers of person(s) with the legal responsibility and administrative authority for the operation of the school-age child care program.
3.  The address and telephone number of the appropriate regional office of the Office of Children and Family Services at which a parent can lodge a complaint against the program. Contact information is: Spring Valley Regional Office, 11 Perlman Drive, Spring Valley, New York 10977 (845) 708-2498
4. The emergency evacuation plan must be posted in a conspicuous place or contained in a file in the program.
5. The emergency telephone numbers for the fire department, local or state police or sheriff's department, poison control center, ambulance service and to report child abuse must be posted conspicuously on or next to each telephone that has the capacity to make outside calls.

A qualityschool age program will post additional items for the information of the parents and staff. These items include:

1.  Schedule of the daily activities

2.  Snack menu

3.  A list of children and their allergies and medication schedules posted where the staff has free and daily access and in a manner that maintains the confidentiality of the children.

The Council offers technical assistance and training to maintain compliance with OCFS regulations.  Contact Mary Ann Brendler at maryannb@cccwny.org or  914-761-3456 x 172, if you would like assistance with your staff files or any other aspect of your school age program.