Parent Talk

Each week, our Parents Council of experts takes your questions, gives advice and shares solutions.

Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.

This week’s question is:

With proposed cuts to city schools, there is a possibility that some after school programs could be shut down. What are some good local alternatives? What advice would you give parents seeking a place to send their children after school until they get off work?

Safia Sattaur:
There are great programs available at the local YMCA in Bellerose on Hillside Avenue and, of course, the Douglaston-Little Neck Library offers great programs for kids that are usually free or require a minimum fee.

Alley Pond Environmental Center also has a variety of classes for kids at a fairly reasonable price and I know that the folks who run the place are great with kids in case you are running late and they have to watch your children for a little bit longer. Fort Totten in Bayside also has great programs for kids, some of which are available on weekdays during after school hours.

Judy Vincent:
Our school has an after school program for older children, so my daughter didn't qualify. The local library near me, has no activities there after school. Basically, other than dance classes, gymnastics or other expensive programs, this is going to be an issue for me. 

Families in which both parents work will have to either find family members to watch the kids, send them to a daycare or hire someone to watch them after school. All of which costs money. Part of the issue is that children starting school often have a lot of homework and they need help with it.  

I just hope that the city continues to find money to keep after school programs alive.

Jacqueline Montgomery:
There are many concerns with the shutting down of self-sustaining after school programs. The Parent Teacher Association in your school was the one running the programs. Now, the principal has to be the program ‘manager’ and offer the program. If they decline, then the after school program will be shut down.

Some grass roots ideas to start now because this will take into effect September 2011:

• Form an informal friendship group that may have stay-at-home parents willing to pick up your child and care for them. There could be a fee including healthy snacks.
• Prior to your next PTA meeting, request that this issue goes on the agenda to discuss. Through the school community, form an after school committee, provide a bulletin or blog to share centers that others have used or develop car-pool lists.
• Reach out to your place of employment and see whether flexible time is available.

Peter Pollicino:
Art is one of the foundation stones of human intellect. It separates us from all other species. I consider the arts - painting, sculpture, music, etc. - to be an integral part of a child's development.

I highly recommend lessons from a reputable, established school. The National Art League has been in Douglaston since 1955 and offers lessons to elementary school age children.

I also recommend the Great Neck library as an alternative to city libraries. Located at 159 Bayview Ave., it is literally 10 minutes away from Douglaston by car and is worth the cab fare if a ride is unavailable.

Housed in a beautiful building with wonderful vistas and balconies for outdoor reflection and study, I consider it one of the finest libraries I have ever seen. It’s great place to spend the afternoon with your child.