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Andersen CDC after-school programs spark social skills

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Haddenham
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
The Child Development Center's after-school program on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam is a productive and alternate option for after-school care for children of active duty and active National Guard members.

"Our after-school program gives children a chance to expand their social skills outside of their daily classroom time," said Moana Omisong, 36th Force Support Squadron Child Development Center director. "Instead of trying to find a babysitter, the children get to enjoy each other's company and participate in a variety of activities."

The CDC is operated by 63 staff members, both child development technicians and child development aids. Each day after school, CDC staff members collect the after-school program children from the Andersen Elementary School and make a short walk across the parking lot to the CDC.

Staff members spend the first week of each school year observing the children, and finding out what they are interested in, whether its science, reading, or something more hands on, such as crafts.

"Our staff is required to build lesson plans and like to build them around the interests of the children," Omisong said. "Each child is different and they have different things that spark their curiosity."

Andersen's after-school program also acts as an outlet after a long day of school for the children, and allows them to exert energy before their parents pick them up.

"We provide an after-school snack and then get to our daily activities, whether it is what the staff has on the lesson plan for the day or helping with individual needs of a child," Omisong said. "Depending on the age of the child, they may have homework that evening and we help with that as well."

The CDC offers after-school care to children from ages six to 12.

"After-school programs are great for the kids and I really enjoy watching their social development skills blossom," said Sue Ann Carlton, 36th FSS kindergarten support staff. "I help with our lesson plans and I like seeing how the children react to the activities that we have planned for them and how they apply themselves."

The after-school programs offer a wide variety of activities and the company of peers, in a safe and comfortable environment orchestrated by an accredited staff.

For more information on Andersen's after-school programs or information about the CDC, call 366-1601.