An Inside Look at the Before and Aftercare Program Students Love

Recently, we asked Beverly Beckles, our Youth Development Director, to take us behind the scenes of our Before and Aftercare Program. The goal was simple: help us better understand what makes those out-of-school hours at Neighborhood House so transformative for kids.

Of all the things that stood out in Beverly’s answers, perhaps the most significant was that there are some students who don’t always want to leave at the end of the day. When their parents arrive for pickup, they ask if they can stay longer. This speaks to the quality of the program, but also the sense of belonging children feel.

Those strong connections don't happen by accident. Beverly and her team can tell you exactly why they want to stay, and why their parents are equally enthusiastic about what's happening in the program. Here's what Beverly shared about those crucial hours that help shape young lives.

Starting Strong Every Morning

Every morning between 7:00 and 8:30 AM, our multi-purpose room transforms into a space that prepares students for the day ahead. From there, staff can watch for arriving school buses while remaining focused on creating engaging moments for the kids.

"We're not focused on keeping children busy. We want to set them up for success," Beverly explains. Our morning activity stations support both learning and social-emotional development, with dedicated spaces to read, get creative, play games, or just relax. For those who need it, homework support ensures they board the bus feeling prepared and confident.

Making sure that every child gets personalized attention is important. That’s why there are always at least two staff members on site. When you’re entrusted with the care of someone else's children, every detail becomes your responsibility, which is something Beverly and her team take seriously.

Afternoons That Make a Difference

When students return from school, they enter an environment that’s been designed just for them. And it starts with the basics: bathroom breaks, handwashing, and a nutritious meal that helps them recharge.

Homework Club comes next. This is about more than giving students time to complete their assignments. It’s an opportunity for them to develop real study skills and academic confidence. Children who don’t have homework participate in structured academic activities. All of it is designed to contribute to their educational success.

Weekly enrichment activities transform ordinary afternoons into opportunities for discovery. Monday afternoons help students build confidence and find their voices through drama. Tuesdays feature choir or drumming that unlocks their musical talents. Wednesdays are for sports and recreation, where kids learn more about teamwork and wellness. On Thursdays, a partnership with the Delaware Nature Society allows students to gain a greater understanding of the world we live in. Fridays celebrate creativity through dance or organized play.

Right now, there’s a special Humanities program that allows children to explore African American culture, building toward a community presentation that celebrates both learning and heritage.

The Philosophy Behind the Program

The program operates from a foundation of trauma-informed care. "I've seen enough to know that each child brings their own experiences, challenges, and dreams," Beverly tells us. "We don't just supervise. We help children discover their talents and character strengths while providing the emotional support they need to thrive."

As a faith-based organization, incorporating spiritual conversations and opportunities for children to volunteer to pray or share Scripture is important. During summer programming, Morning Motivation sessions help them develop a growth mindset, something that will serve them well for years to come.

Program staff observe each child carefully, identifying what they're particularly good at or enjoy, then guide them toward activities they’re naturally drawn to and that allow them to build on their strengths. This approach means every child finds their place and thrives in ways that feel authentic to them.

Academic Support That Works

Academic support goes beyond traditional homework help. We utilize one-on-one and group tutoring, the BookNook literacy platform, IXL math instruction, peer study groups, and opportunities for older students to help younger ones.

Beverly and her staff have seen consistent improvements in children's reading levels through online literacy tools that are used throughout the program year. "When parents tell me their child is more confident with reading and homework, I know we're making a difference," she says.

What Parents Say

Parents consistently share that the Before and Aftercare Program provides something invaluable: peace of mind. They know their children are safe, engaged, and loved while they fulfill their work responsibilities. Many appreciate that the program provides meals, giving their kids the fuel they need for afternoon activities and learning.

"Some families view us as extended family — a place where their children are loved as if they were our own," Beverly notes. "One mother recently told me she wants her son to always be part of Neighborhood House, even hoping he might get his first job helping our youth department when he's older."

Beverly and her team regularly see generational impact too. Parents who were once served by Neighborhood House now trust us with their own children, creating a cycle of support that strengthens our entire community.

The Stories That Matter

Some of the most powerful aspects of the program happen quietly, in moments that might not make headlines but change everything for the families involved.

There was a young child who joined the program two years ago, and they were non-verbal. "Today, this same child is thriving, using clear words, and communicating exceptionally well," Beverly shares. "Witnessing this transformation unfold day by day has had a profound emotional impact on our entire staff, reminding us why this work matters so deeply."

This year, a young man who aged out of the program chose to volunteer with us every single day during summer programming instead of taking a paying job elsewhere. His reason? He wanted to gain more experience and give back to the program that had given him so much.

Recently, a family facing job loss and housing instability received tuition-free care for most of the school year and were connected to food resources during the holidays. It's the kind of response that reflects one of Neighborhood House’s core beliefs — that no one rises alone. And it’s an example of how Beverly and her team respond when families face challenges.

They never turn away a child whose family can't afford program fees. And when parents experience financial hardship, they consistently find ways to create a "win" for them, ensuring their children can continue participating without interruption.

Unlike many programs with strict age cutoffs, children can still participate even after they've technically aged out, creating appropriate activities for older youth who want to maintain their connection to our community. Because once you're part of the Neighborhood House family, you're always part of the family.

So Much More Than Childcare

At Neighborhood House, our Before and Aftercare Program is built around the belief that the hours outside the classroom are just as important as the hours inside. Creating space for students to develop academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually — while surrounded by adults who see their potential and are committed to helping them reach it — leads to the transformative outcomes we want every child to experience.

For working families trying to balance career demands with parenting responsibilities, quality before and aftercare addresses both an immediate need and a bigger goal. Raising children who know they're valued, capable, and loved is a shared mission, one we’re passionate about too.

If you're interested in learning more about enrollment opportunities, Beverly is always happy to talk with families about what we offer. You can reach her at 302.658.5404 ext. 110 or bbeckles@neighborhoodhse.org.