Engaging Children, Youth and Parents

Fun, interesting out-of-school time activities can make a big difference for children, youth and families. Working parents can know that their children are safe and well-supervised.  Children and youth can learn new skills, get help with their school work, give back to their communities, and enjoy leisure time with friends.

Out-of-school is anytime when school-agers are not in school. This includes the time before and after the school day, times when schools are closed for professional development and holidays, weekends and summertime.  Activities that happen in out-of-school time include:  academic intervention and enrichment; recreation, sports and leisure; fine and performing arts; leadership and life skills; and career and workforce preparation. 

Programs vary in the number of hours, days and weeks they operate.  We know that the more often children and youth attend programs that are high quality the more they benefit.  Excel Beyond the Bell is working to support programs as they identify quality standards and connect their staff with professional development activities.

Finding Programs.  Many public and private organizations operate out-of-school time programs in Montgomery County.  Excel Beyond the Bell brings all this information into one place that will make it easier for parents and youth to find the programs they need.  This website page gives you the main sources of information.  We are focusing on those programs which are free or charge a small amount.  You can consult the telephone directory, newspapers or online sources for the many for-profit out-of-school time businesses that charge fees.

Voices.  Children, youth and families’ voices are vital to the Excel Beyond the Bell Partnership as we build our out-of-school time system. Your opinions and experiences are important to creating high-quality out-of-school time programs.  Good programs increase children and youth participation and also engage families in their activities in many ways.