SACC - What has your experience been like?

[Anonymous]

DC recently started SACC. She is in kindergarten so we are thrilled she got a spot. She loves it because she gets to play and complains when I pick her up before 6 pm. However, it seems like total chaos in the room at pick up. When they are in the playground when I get there, the children are scattered all over the playground and side of the school. Worried about the level of supervision. What has your experience been like?

[Anonymous]

What time do you pick up?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What time do you pick up?

Usually 5:15-5:45 pm

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

I think it varies a lot school by school. Do any of the other SACC parents at your school feel the same way?

Also, if you can, try to see what it is like before 5 some day. I think ours has some structured stuff earlier and then free play after. I pick up between 5:00 and 6:00 usually and the kids tend to be doing all different things (lego, crafts, games, foosball) but I would never use the word "chaos" to describe what it feels like. If it feels unsafe you could talk to the teachers.

[Anonymous]

+1 to 22:47's post

We have been to two SACC programs and they were run quite differently. If you are able to pick a day to get there a bit earlier (say, 5 pm) where you can observe transitions, you may see a fuller picture.

It never hurts to speak to the lead teacher to raise concerns, too.

[Anonymous]

My DC loves SACC and doesn't like to be picked up early. They have a great program and DC does a lot of art projects, physical activities (sports, playground, etc), can read and do homework, drama, etc. and nice field trips on teacher workdays.

[Anonymous]

Some of it is managed chaos. However, I think I would worry more if I showed up and everyone was organized.
I like knowing that some kids are sitting down playing board games and others are running around. It's important to blow off steam. Unstructured time, in a structured environment is important for kids.

After 8 years of SACC (and 3 more to go) I can say that I have no problems with it. The bumps we've hit have been normal. Some teachers my DCs liked better than others. but, we've been fortunate to have the same director for the last 7 years.

Each school is different, and I also expect with the end of monday dismissals to have more changes in SACC. My SACC was sad to see it - that was when they planned some of their bigger projects - like a dance event with the other SACCs (and the cardboard boat races against the other SACC centers). I think I was the only person sad to see the early dismissal Monday's go (I don't feel guilty taking my kid out of SACC for an appointment, but don't like pulling them out of school. And, we have lots of specialist - not to mention the normal dentist, eye exams and normal health stuff.)

[Anonymous]

My son is also in K and in SACC. I do think it can be a bit chaotic. When inside kids are doing all sorts of activities, which I like. They have the choice to do an organized craft or to play some random game with another kid.

OP I do get what you are saying about things when they play on the playground. i have often felt the same way. Especially because at our school there are always random kids on the playground who aren't in SACC. I think they come from the neighborhoods around the school to play there after school/in the evenings.

[Anonymous]

what age can kids be home alone ?