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After school activities are the rage of the day but the importance of an appropriate daycare curriculum to structure these activities shouldn't be underestimated. With about $500 million invested in these programs and more than 10 million children attending them in America alone, the popularity of these activities cannot be overlooked. Everyone understands the need to develop new skills, gain more knowledge and keep the children safe when parents are working.

Healthy relationships between the children attending the after school and the adults running the program are key to success. Adults running these programs are in the unique position of being neither parent nor teacher thus opening up possible channels of communication between adult and child that might not exist in the other environments. These kids are growing and changing and this type of positive emotional interaction is vital in helping them deal with personal issues.

These 'out of the normal category' adults can have a profoundly positive impact on children. Their wisdom, insight and experience will doubtless impress the children. The mentors in these after school programs serve as role models and can directly and indirectly pass on a multitude of knowledge and wisdom to the kids. Their unique position enables them to build the kind of relationships that will result in the kids drawing inspiration from their mentors.

Professionally managed, afterschool daycare curriculums run by people who are experienced and passionate about their area of expertise will fire up the imagination and enthusiasm of the children in their care. Simply being in contact with this passion and knowledge will produce positive learning results. Generally, these after school approaches fall into three categories: educational, recreational and society oriented. The final category generally applies when kids are older and have opinions on specific interests.

Educational activities aim at furthering the knowledge of the child. Different techniques are used to improve memory, general understanding and awareness. Programs such as intensive memory training and speed mathematics are educational after school activities. Many subjects can be covered to improve the child's general knowledge in addition to help with homework and reiteration of class work. Thus academic programs have a definite edge over the fun and games, especially if parents feel that their child has a lot of catching up to do.

Fine arts, sports, physical games, board games etc and painting are included in recreational activities. The main thrust here is to have fun. Inevitably a competitive element will appear as children become more proficient. Many sport events, competitions, stage performances etc are held to encourage the child.

Recreational programs often appear to offer more in terms of a holistic approach to the child's development. Firstly, children do not enjoy learning unless they themselves feel curious about something. A lack of flexibility in academic activity based programs can be a problem. They have a general purpose and a well laid out methodology. However, a child who has already spent a day at school may have issues with concentration. Further study may overwhelm him and make him feel frustrated. Overexposing a child to educational activities may cause him to switch off.

Conventional academic learning is tiring and somewhat monotonous so a recreational program gives children a break, a change of routine. Physical activity and being outdoors in the fresh air energizes children and instils in them a wonderful sense of wellbeing. Patience, discipline and social interaction skills are learned through working in a team. Children who take part in such activities tend to get good results at school and are better all rounders. You need that break from the books in order to remain fresh and a fun game can often be what is needed.

Consistent, thorough evaluation is vital regardless what after school program you choose for your day care. You will have to measure the children's progress. Your daycare curriculum may need modification if progress is not satisfactory. . The child should also have the freedom to reject an activity if and when he feels bored with it. The perfect daycare curriculum combines a balance of both recreational and academic so that children are challenged at every level. This way, children can have fun while they learn.