What is Standard 1 regarding activities in the program?

Standard 1 emphasizing that activities must be developmentally appropriate is based on the understanding that children grow and learn at different rates and in various ways. By ensuring that activities are aligned with the developmental stages of the children in the program, educators can provide experiences that are engaging, meaningful, and supportive of a child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. Developmentally appropriate practices enhance participation and facilitate learning, as they consider children’s interests, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, allowing them to thrive in an afterschool environment.

In contrast, options that suggest activities must be closely monitored, cater only to talented children, or focus exclusively on academics do not provide the comprehensive and inclusive approach that is necessary for effective afterschool programming. While monitoring activities is important for safety, it does not address the need for activities to be appropriate to the children's developmental levels. Limiting activities to only those suited for talented children or focusing solely on academics neglects the richness of holistic development, which includes fostering creativity, social skills, and emotional intelligence, as well as supporting various learning styles and interests among all children.