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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.

Increasing the knowledge of the child is targeted through educational activities. Different techniques are used to improve memory, general understanding and awareness. Examples of educational after school activities include intensive memory training programs and speed maths. Many subjects can be covered to improve the child's general knowledge in addition to help with homework and reiteration of class work. Educational activities would seem to have the edge if you wish your child to achieve academically or if they simply need a little extra help.

Recreational activities include sports and games, fine arts, painting etc. The main thrust here is to have fun. Of course, classes become more competitive as the child climbs up the ladder. 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.

Recreational programs provide a welcome break from the monotony of learning and studies. The mental challenge and the physical exertion make the child feel a renewed zest and a pleasant sense of fulfillment. Group activity teaches him social skills, discipline and patience. It is a proven fact that children involved in extra curricular activities get better grades than others. Sometimes closing the textbooks and playing a game may be the best way to handle your studies.

Whatever program you choose for your day care, regular evaluation is the key to success. You will have to measure the children's progress. If progress is unsatisfactory, you may need to modify your daycare curriculum. The child should also have the freedom to reject an activity if and when he feels bored with it. Generally, an afterschool daycare curriculum that combines the educational with the recreational is best suited especially for younger children. This way, children can have fun while they learn.