How to Communicate Your Way Out of the Doghouse
Is your afterschool program stuck in the proverbial doghouse? Do the “regular day” teachers and staff act like your program doesn’t really matter? If so, this is probably not because you have done something wrong, it is because they don’t know about all the great things you are doing right. Do a little positive public relations and open the lines of communication.
Communicate With Regular Day Teachers
Develop systems within your program to work with regular day teachers. Find out what subjects they are covering and do supplemental activities. Get the homework assignments for the week so you can make sure students finish and turn it in. Find out which students need extra help so you can reinforce what teachers are doing during the school day.
Communicate With Parents
Let parents know what their children are doing in your program. Try sending home a short weekly newsletter (just one page) to announce your plans for the week. If parents know how many great services you are providing, they will appreciate your program as more than just childcare.
Communicate With Students
Fill students in! Tell them what you are doing each day and each week. Send them home with some exciting news or experiences to talk about. As they report all the positives about your program to their parents, teachers and friends, your program will gain in popularity.
There is no better way to advertise than word of mouth. So start talking and create a positive buzz about your wonderful afterschool program.
Please leave us a comment and share your tips for creating a positive buzz about afterschool.
