Schools

Programs can be a safe space for children, especially before and after school hours when parents/guardians cannot supervise.

Research shows that when students participate regularly in high quality after-school programs for at least two years, they improve their achievement, school attendance and engagement in learning.

Helpful Information for School Professionals

Why should children participate in OST programs?

  • Programs can be a safe space for children, especially before and after school hours when parents/guardians cannot supervise. Many OST programs focus on children’s academic needs.
  • A review of over 50 studies of after school programs conducted by the Afterschool Alliance suggest that:
    1. Quality after school programs improve school attendance, engagement in learning, test scores, and grades
    2. Frequency and duration of after school participation increases benefits
    3. High-risk youth show the greatest benefits after participating in quality after school programs compared to low-risk youth
    4. During OST, there is opportunity for the arts and critical thinking projects that inspire a life-long love of learning.

A growing body of research show that when kids participate in high quality expanded learning opportunities led by trained and caring adults, they:

  • Raise their grades and test scores,
  • Bond more closely with their schools,
  • Improve their attitudes toward learning,
  • Exhibit fewer problem behaviours, and
  • Are more likely to graduate from high school.

What OST programs are happening at schools?

Examples from schools coming soon

How can I make something happen at my school?

Examples from other schools coming soon

Ask your school administrator for possible funding opportunities available through school budgets, teachers’ association, or community funds.

Funding opportunities:

  • Government
  • Provincial
  • City
  • More information coming soon

Transportation opportunities: information coming soon

What resources can I share with parents?

  • Ask your school administrator for possible funding opportunities available through school budgets, teachers’ association, or community funds.
  • Order LMOST placemats, business cards, and/or bookmarks through the contact page that highlights the benefits of OST programs including information about this website.

What types of OST programs are available in the Lower Mainland?

OST programs include structured and organized activities such as:

  • Team sports
  • Individual sports,
  • Tutoring clubs,
  • Arts or music based programs, and
  • Mentorship

OST programs also include unstructured programs such as:

  • Drop-ins, and
  • Youth lounges

OST programs can be:

  • Registered programs,
  • Non-registered programs, or
  • Term-based

OST programs offer a range of dates and times. Check out your child’s school, local parks and recreation centres, and community centres for more details.

Where and how can children participate in OST programs?

Check out your city’s community centre websites and parks and recreation websites for more information on how and when to register children for upcoming programs/activities.

OST programs can also be found in your local schools. Check out your school district’s website for more information: