Date of Award
1989
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
Dr. Edmund L. Barbieri
Committee Member
Muriel L. Lundy
Keywords
after-school programs, before-school programs, childcare, children of divorce, elementary education, enrichment activities, latchkey programs, low-income groups, single-parent families, working women
Abstract
This program was designed to provide before-school quality activities for K-6 elementary students arriving on school property an hour before school officially begins. The lack of such a program resulted in many students lingering unsupervised on school property creating disturbing noise levels and discarding trash that littered the school grounds. The literature review did not describe many morning latchkey programs. Most references addressed after-school programs and the reasons there are so many latchkey children.
The writer's goals were: (1) to eliminate the number of students lingering unsupervised in the early morning hours of school property; (2) to eliminate loud noise levels and altercations; and (3) to no longer observe litter on school grounds. In addressing these goals, the writer implemented a supervised morning program of directed activities that utilized the school facility. These activities included physical education exercises and games, art, dance, media center reading experiences, computer programs, and math enrichment.
The results of the practicum were positive and the analysis of the data indicated that a supervised, the first school program delivered a variety of activities directed at the energy of the students and provided a safe, positive experience for all participants. The disturbing noise levels diminished and the litter was no longer visible on the school property. The administration recognized the value of the practicum and made provisions to continue the program within the entire school year.