Focusing on the importance of afterschool care
Carmel, Ind. (October 17, 2019) – Carmel Clay School students enrolled in Extended School Enrichment (ESE) – Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s K-6 before- and after-school program – will celebrate Lights on Afterschool this Thursday, October 24. Lights on Afterschool celebrates the importance of afterschool care for student success and safety, as well as parent/guardian work-life balance.
Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide event to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students, and celebrate the important role of afterschool programs in the lives of children, families and communities. Founded in 2000, the event not only recognizes the extraordinary value of afterschool programs, but also spotlights the need for more funding. According to the Afterschool Alliance, in Indiana more than 123,000 students are enrolled in afterschool programs while more than 300,000 students would be enrolled if a program were available.
Since its founding in 2000, more than a million people have participated in Lights On Afterschool to urge greater investment in quality afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families.
“Providing a safe, fun and educational space for our children is invaluable to the families in our community,” said Jennifer Brown, Extended School Enrichment director. “We serve thousands of students every year, and we understand how important that is, not only to the academic and personal development of each student, but to support our parents as well. We strive to provide the very best in afterschool care.”
In partnership with Carmel Clay Schools, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation offers ESE at 11 elementary schools. For more information or to enroll in programs, visit carmelclayparks.com/ese.
About Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) holds the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) for parks serving populations of 75,001 to 150,000. As an accredited agency, the department serves the recreation, fitness and nature needs of the community, manages and develops existing spaces and resources and creates a sustainable future for parks and recreation programs through a financially viable and environmentally conscious parks system. CCPR manages and maintains more than 500 park acres and numerous recreation facilities, including the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark. In addition, CCPR has partnered with Carmel Clay Schools to establish Extended School Enrichment (ESE), a before and after-school care program for K-6 students located at all eleven Carmel elementary schools. The Summer Camp Series is a component of ESE that offers 12 different summer camps accommodating children ages 5-15. For more information, visit carmelclayparks.com.
