Calendaring

You may be wondering how calendaring is different that scheduling.  C4K would suggest that a schedule identifies time slots during the program day over a period of 1-3 weeks that gives staff a road map for planning specific activities and learning opportunities for youth.  A calendar, on the other hand, is an overall look at the program and includes reminders of deadlines, the theme or focus of the month, and highlights or special events that may require the schedule to be altered.  For example, if Back-To-School Night is scheduled in September, it is included on the calendar which then triggers a reminder to alter the schedule for this special event.  The calendar would include deadlines for reporting hours worked, pay days, reports due, and standing meetings with school day administration and/or staff.  A calendar would also include the theme for the month—Fall Harvest, Winter Activities, Celebrating Heroes, and so on.  Field Trips will be calendared as will an assembly to honor kids in the after-school program with perfect attendance or “caught being good” certificates.  The calendar will show the sports game schedule, dances, talent shows, and other special events.

While the schedule will remain virtually the same all year long, the calendar changes month to month.  The calendar is an overview of the entire year in bite-sized chunks —including training and preparation without students present.  To run an effective program you need both a schedule and a calendar that is published for all to see.

Consult 4 Kids has a long history of advocating for youth and the adults who are their positive role models and mentors.  To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.consultforkids.com, email us at support@consultfourkids.com or call us at (661) 617-7055.