The Westwood Extended Day Program has provided after-school care and recreation for children enrolled in the Westwood Public Schools, Grades K – 5, since 1991. The program is open every day that school is in session, and offers care daily from dismissal to 6:00 p.m. In addition, the program is open on selected no-school days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for an additional fee.
The Extended Day Program is housed at four sites: at the Paul Hanlon School for children from the Paul Hanlon and Deerfield schools; the Downey School for the Downey children; the Martha Jones School for the Martha Jones children; and at the Sheehan School for the Sheehan children. School buses transport children from Deerfield to the Paul Hanlon School. The program has the use of dedicated or shared classrooms, the gymnasium and cafeteria, art/music rooms, the library, the athletic field and playground at each site.
The Extended Day Program provides a daily opportunity for children to be creative, to stretch their muscles, and to explore and experience the world around them. Children participate in a variety of activities including arts & crafts, dramatic play, group games and sports, cooking and science. Physical recreation is offered daily indoors and/or outdoors. Support for reading and homework is provided daily. Program enrichment derives from a number of local resources including the Westwood Public Library, Westwood Youth and Family Services, Police, Fire, School and Recreation Departments, visiting specialists, Extended Day parents and field trips.
The Extended Day Group Leaders are highly qualified. Teaching assistants, including Westwood High School students and college students, add energy and enthusiasm. The entire staff offers a variety of personal experiences, interests and talents, and the ability to convey a sense of caring and respect for children. The staff strives to meet the individual needs, abilities and interests of each child, to contribute to the social growth of the children by fostering cooperative and responsible attitudes, and to create a supportive environment in which children can learn to make good choices and to become considerate and contributing citizens.
