Inclusion Based After School Program for Children with Autism
The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas (AFC) is proud of its partnership with the Greater YMCA of Charlotte to provide Charlotte’s only inclusion based afterschool enrichment program for children with autism. Currently, 1 in 73 children in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School (CMS) system are diagnosed with autism. CMS does not provide afterschool services specifically for children with autism. Our afterschool program meets this need and provides critical yet affordable early interventions for these children. This in turn gives parents/caregivers the respite they need or permits them to continue to work, knowing their special child is more than well cared for.
The benefits of this program reach well beyond the children and families dealing with autism. In pairing each affected child with both a typical peer and a high school volunteer, we facilitate opportunities to teach patience, tolerance, acceptance and understanding. Ultimately, this program is about changing both the lives of those affected by autism and those who would not typically have this unique experience.
Program Specifics
The mission of the afterschool enrichment program is to provide a safe, nurturing and enriching environment. The program is offered to students in kindergarten through 5th grade who are diagnosed as mild to moderate on the autism spectrum. Operational hours are 2pm to 6pm, Monday through Thursday, during the school year. Parents/caregivers can chose to send their children two, three or four days a week. The focus is to enhance independent functional living and self-management skills by presenting opportunities for socialization, communication and self-directed choice within each activity during the day. Approximately 25% of the kids receive scholarships through our Financial Assistance Program to attend the program.
Unique Program Characteristics- Balance of educational support and recreational activities, while providing a safe, nurturing and enriching environment to meet each child’s unique needs.
- Tailored curriculum for each child given its ratio of 1 teacher to every 3 participants.
- Focus on independent functional living skills and self-management skills.
- Self-directed choice in a relaxing environment.
- Cost-effective, therapeutic and fun
- Inclusion Opportunity
- Recreational play with children in the Y’s typical after school program
- If needed, quiet place or structured play area to transition from the school day
- Reverse Inclusion for Snack
- Smaller group setting
- Structured environment to work on life skills
- Emphasis on communication and socialization
- Homework Assistance
- Supervised reverse inclusion for those with academic homework assignments
- One on one with staff for those working on their CMS Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or parent directed goals
- Structured Enrichment Activities
- Reverse inclusion
- Smaller group setting
- Specials include: Art * Science * Music * Cooking * Gardening
- Inclusion Opportunity for All
- Recreational play with children in the Y’s typical after school program
- If needed, quiet place or structured play area to relax
Highly Qualified Staff
- Program Director
- Nine years of experience working in both private and public school settings with children and adults on the autism spectrum
- Certified exceptional children’s teacher in MA and NC
- Master of Science in Education of Severe Special Needs from Simmons College in Boston, MA
- Lead Teachers
- Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education
- 3 years experience working with children who have autism and their typically developing peers
- 2 years experience providing programs and activities in an inclusion setting for children with autism
- Assistant Teachers
- Experience working with children who have autism
- Experience working in an inclusive environment including working
Testimonials
From Affected Parents
“Our son loved being at afterschool. I think we see the best in him in your programs, staffed with people who are trained on his strengths and challenges and allow him to interact with other neurotypical kids. All I can say is we loved it so much we want more!”
– Steph, mother of a kindergartener
“We really do feel so fortunate to have our son a part of the inclusion program and also believe that the social progress he’s made this year is a direct result.”
– Jana, mother of a 3rd grader
Testimonials from Volunteers
“I was very impressed with how well the peers worked with the autistic children—their love and empathy towards them revealed a maturity beyond their years. Not only that, but the whole environment at the afterschool program is so inspiring. After one day of volunteerism, I was in awe of the staff’s ability to work with these children and encourage them to reach their potential.”
– Sarah - 10th Grade
“Volunteering at the afterschool program has successfully exposed me to autism. The one-on-one time with the kids has made me very comfortable with them and further illustrates the truth that inclusion works. I have learned a great deal from the volunteering in their afterschool program, but one of the biggest realizations was that autism truly is just another blessing from God.”
– Daniel - 11th grade
“The Inclusion Based After School Program for Children with Autism has broadened my grasp on the facts of autism. The program is beneficial for everyone involved. The kids truly depend on it; the dependable schedule, the tender volunteers, and the playful camaraderie which they can enjoy everyday.”
– Eliza - 11th grade
Testimonials from Peer Parents
“Through the program, Bridget has gained a sense of responsibility with learning to help others. Her leadership qualities have increased along with her confidence. She wants to continue staying in the program since she has developed friendships.”
– Bridget’s Mom (Bridget is a 3rd grader)
“This program has opened Riley’s eyes and she really wants to be here. It has taught her patience, and she loves it. I’d love my younger daughter to participate, too!”
– Riley’s Mom (Riley is a 4th grader)
“Madison loves the program and has even said that she wants to teach autism when she grows up.”
– Madison’s Mom (Madison is a 3rd grader)
Contact Information
Please contact the AFC Program Director for more information (including employment opportunities).
afterschool@autismcarolinas.org or (704) 776-1232.