RIASPA Map Helps Parents Locate After-School Programs

An easy-to-use location map of afterschool programs around the state is available on the Rhode Island Afterschool Plus Alliance’s (RIASPA) website. The RIASPA map assists parents statewide who are seeking high-quality programs for children this fall. The map can be found at www.afterschoolri.org/parents.

The parents’ section of the website also offers a helpful checklist for parents to use when visiting an afterschool program to determine its suitability for their child. An additional research page explains how afterschool experiences improve children’s education. Links to informative, related sites are also found there. Lastly, a “Share Your Story” feature is included that allows parents to post thoughts, 

The map includes more than 200 of Rhode Island’s afterschool programs. Organizations that operate the programs include Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, child care centers, community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, teen and youth centers, and more. Depending on the program, the array of educational and recreational activities might include visual and performing arts, homework help, computer training, reading, health skills, music, cooking, dance, swimming, martial arts, debate, nature exploration, or photography.

Parents are encouraged to visit the RIASPA website, find a suitable program for their children and then directly contact the program of interest. For organizations that provide afterschool programs and wish to be added on the map please contact RIASPA’s Samantha Andersen at samantha.andersen@afterschoolri.org or 401-331-2869.