The Children’s Trust releases 2015 After-School Programs Guide

The Children’s Trust 2015 After-School Programs Guide is now available at any Winn-Dixie in Miami-Dade County and online at www.thechildrenstrust.org.

The guide, which features a list organized by ZIP code of more than 300 after-school programs, is a tool parents can use to decide which free or inexpensive after-school program is best suited for their family based on fees and program details.

“The guide is a way to make it easy for families to find these programs because they really are everywhere,” Children’s Trust Communications Director Emily Cardenas said.

The purpose of these programs is to teach children the importance of balancing homework, reading, exercise and socialization in a safe environment.

“These programs not only meet the safety need that parents have, but also help children because they are supported by professionals who can give them the attention and supervision that they need,” Cardenas said.

There is a variety of enrichment activities including but not limited to dance, music, drama, technology, engineering, math, robotics and martial arts.

The Children’s Trust wants to get the word out so that parents can know how to find “a program that will give them access to an enriched environment,” Cardenas said.

The guide also includes a few articles for parents including “How Does Your Child Learn Best,” “The Importance of Sleep” and “The Case for Vaccines.” The articles are published in English, Spanish and Creole.

The Children’s Trust was created in 2002 when Miami-Dade voters approved a funding basis for helping children and families. It has served more than 25,000 children and is is the single-largest funder of summer, after-school and youth development programs in Miami-Dade County.

This story was originally published August 11, 2015 at 12:03 PM with the headline "The Children’s Trust releases 2015 After-School Programs Guide."