WHAT WE OFFER
The Brackett After School Program (BASP) serves Brackett Elementary School children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Located in Brackett Elementary School, the program runs on school days during the academic year, from school dismissal until 6:00 pm.
BASP is a non-profit, parent-governed organization. The Board of Directors contracts with the Arlington Children's Center (ACC) for direct service, staffing and supervision, and to ensure compliance with state licensing requirements. All ACC staff members who work at BASP are fully qualified to work in licensed school-age programs. There is a ratio of one staff to no more than 13 children. BASP is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Each day a variety of activities are offered, including seasonal sports, cooperative games, drama, science experiments, arts and crafts projects, and baking and cooking. Children are free to participate in activities of their choice. They are also free to play on their own, read, or just sit alone or talk with a friend. Other activities are based upon the children's interests. Homework help is available when requested. Snacks are served every afternoon; at times, the children help to prepare and serve the snacks.
In addition to planned activities, the children are also encouraged to organize their own games, play cooperatively, and resolve their own conflicts, just as they would within their own neighborhood. The staff are aware of when and where adult intervention is appropriate and are trained to recognize children's individual differences. We offer activities appropriate to all age levels and ask the children for their input and feedback when planning for the program and developing classroom policies.
The children learn from each other and from the teaching staff through social interaction, play, and experimentation. Our emphasis is on promoting curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
PHILOSOPHY AND VISION
The Brackett After School Program (BASP) strives to offer a flexible, relaxed, and enjoyable environment for children. Central to our approach is an understanding of the individual and developmental needs of each child. While structured by professional staff, afternoons at BASP are flexible, intending to provide the “neighborhood” feel that many BASP parents enjoyed during their own childhood, when they chose their own activities and created their own fun. The overriding strength of our program lies in our sense of community, our respect for each other (child, teacher, parent), and a friendly learning atmosphere that takes each child's interests and uniqueness into account. Our goal is a responsible, self-confident, happy, and healthy child.
We believe children benefit when they are exposed to a balanced, enriched, and culturally diverse curriculum based on age-appropriate social, motor, and cognitive skills. A variety of materials and experiences are provided and presented in a guided but flexible manner.
Discipline is based on affection and positive reinforcement. Staff attend to children’s individual needs and guide their behavior in a manner that is good-natured, loving, and reasonable.
BASP has an open-door policy and we encourage parent involvement. Families are kept informed through the parent information board and emails from the staff. Parent meetings combined with social gatherings are held at the beginning and the end of the year to encourage a sense of community within the program.
Partnership with arlington children’s center
The BASP Board contracts with the Arlington Children's Center (ACC) for direct service, staffing, and supervision, and to ensure compliance with state licensing requirements. All ACC staff members who work at BASP are fully qualified to work in licensed school-age programs. There is a ratio of one staff to no more than 13 children. BASP is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Non-Discrimination Policy
BASP does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, cultural heritage, political beliefs, national origin, disability, marital status, gender identity, military service, genetic information, or sexual orientation.
