Based in Yonkers, NY and licensed by both the New York State Department of Education and Children and Family Services of New York, the non-profit organization Can We Talk, Inc. is comprised of an after-school program, pre-school program, summer camp, and a youth lounge all with a special emphasis on reinforcing basic ethical values and positive character traits.  Lisa Irby, CEO and founder of Can We Talk, Inc. is an experienced behavioral therapist, educator, mentor, and motivator of urban youth and families in Westchester County. Initially specializing in youth and family crisis intervention, she has expanded her repertoire of community services under the umbrella of her non-profit organization.  Before founding Can We Talk, Inc. in 2004, Ms. Irby had nineteen years of experience as a Clinical Crisis Counselor. Fully committed to her mission of community improvement, Ms. Irby has formed a partnership with Yonkers Public Schools through which she facilitates her programs.   

The Can We Talk, Inc. pre-school, after-school, and summer camp programs have been developed to support working parents in the community. The programs themselves are oriented around a sense of the importance of community and wellness. Students in the programs have yearly fundraisers to support troops overseas, donate toys during the holiday season through the "New Found Friend Toy Donation" program to children in homeless shelters throughout Westchester County, participate in fundraisers for the St. Jude's Foundation, and also hold a yearly "Grandparents Ball" where grandparents from the community are commended for the invaluable role they play in raising our children.

The National Afterschool Association's (NAA) latest leadership lesson is titled "Why, How and What".  Read it here.   

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April through May 6 is National Kite Month, sponsored by the Kite Trade Association International and the American Kitefliers Association.  With more than one month to celebrate, there is plenty of time to go fly a kite. 

Do you have and/or use a schedule as a framework for the daily operation of your after school program? Is it posted in your program space, so the parents and children know what the activities are? In this schedule are you including at least one indoor and one outdoor activity? Have you provided the children with a variety of experiences that they can engage in?

A daily routine is important to children. It gives them a sense of security, knowing what comes next and what to expect. Even with a daily routine in place, it is important to allow for some flexibility. If it is a beautiful day, outside play time can be extended, as long as the children are actively involved in the activities accessible to them.

Ensure that transitions between activities are smooth, making sure to give children a clue or warning before transitioning to another activity or cleaning up. In transitions, be careful of wait time. You are setting children up to display inappropriate behavior by having them just sitting around and waiting for the next activity to begin or move to another location.

Some scheduling tips:

1. Be ready to start your program upon the arrival of the first child.
2. Anticipate the next activity and have the materials ready to go.
3. Ensure that children are activity engaged in an activity up to the last possible moment.

The Child Care Council of Westchester offers technical assistance and training to maintain compliance with OCFS regulations and to familiarize school age staff with best practices in school age care. Contact Mary Ann Brendler at maryannb@cccwny.org or 914-761-3456 x 172 if you would like additional assistance on this topic or any other topic relating to school age care.