YS•CARE Beyond the Bell Branch (BTB) YS•CARE program is a provider of comprehensive after school program services, comprised of four major components (Child Care, Academic Assistance, Recreation and Enrichment). Each YS•CARE program provides a unique, wholesome experience for students in grades 1-5 at participating elementary school sites. It provides an exciting after school enrichment program in a safe, well-supervised environment that engages and encourages students to achieve their greatest potential. The YS•CARE Program features the following four major components on a daily basis: CHILD CARE - Childcare is provided after school for a minimum of four hours per day. Operating hours are extended on minimum and shortened days to accommodate early dismissals. Each day, participants are required to be signed-in by program staff and signed-out of the program by parents or their designees. To provide for the nutritional needs of the children, well-balanced snacks are provided daily. ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE - In support of the LAUSD Superintendent’s goals, trained personnel provide participants with academic assistance and language development activities 40 minutes daily. A California-credentialed teacher is responsible for program management and for providing diagnostic and prescriptive assistance to program staff at each YS•CARE site. Daily lessons that engage children in activities that support academic achievement beyond the regular school day are planned, and educational support materials that are age-appropriate and designed to enhance student learning are provided at each YS•CARE site. Library books, recreational reading materials, literacy kits, and other materials such as the “Brain Child” computer system and software are provided to enhance student performance in reading, math, science, and social studies. RECREATION - 40 minutes of daily recreation instruction and activities that engage students and reinforce the Physical Education curriculum is provided. Multicultural activities, rhythmic activities, team activities, skill games, cooperative games, and quiet games are provided on a daily basis. Successful participation in these activities promote the development of a positive self-image, physical fitness, body awareness, sportsmanship, leadership skills, team work, character building, cooperative social skills, and a desire to make recreation an integral and important part of their daily lives. ENRICHMENT - Planned enrichment activities are the centerpiece of the YS•CARE Program. Students eagerly participate in these very special enrichment activities conducted by traveling enrichment programs staff or site personnel 40 minutes daily. These special and unique programs stimulate students to explore new horizons, expand creativity, experience different cultures, broaden their base of knowledge, and increase their repertoire of learned skills. Included in our current offering of enrichment programs are: • Theater Arts • Square Dance • Modern Dance • Painting & Drawing • Quilting • Flower Arranging • Arts and Crafts • Good Grooming • Drumming • Singing, Music • Science • Storytelling through Movement Special presentations by the following programs that travel to each YS•CARE site always elicit high praise and participation: • Enrichment Works - 19 different educational and engaging dramatic performances ranging from People of the First Light: The Native American Experience to Helen Keller: Champion of the Disabled • The Animal Guys - Exploration of the animal world via visits of animals to each site • Music of the Worlds - Exposure to the varying styles of music of the Americas • Trina Parks - Body awareness and movement communication skills through dance In addition, day-trips and excursions are always fun and exciting learning experiences. Carefully planned trips are periodically conducted. Trip destinations receiving the highest accolades include the following: • Malibu State Creek Park - The mysteries of the forest come alive as biologists guide students through an exploration of life as it exists in the forest and creeks. • Museum of Science and Industry - Many hands-on exhibits and experiences captivate the attention of students as they explore the depths of natural and physical science. • LA Zoo - Up-close settings of animals assist students learning and understanding of natural habitats and the animal kingdom’s dynamic role in our world. • Griffith Observatory - The immensity of our galaxy motivates children to expand their minds. • Amusement Theme Parks - Exciting experiences are enjoyed by all students without reservation.		EN ESPAÑOL