As an elementary principal, I saw the need for after school programs and housed them at our school. I was always so impressed that the director never gave up with all the challenges not only at my school but in all the distrcts and schools she tried to cover. The demand on her time continues to be overwhelming. Fortunately, she can deligate and the people that volunteer and work for her donate much of their time and energies to keep the programs going. There were teachers who didn't want to be bothered with the program, administrators seeing it as another load to carry, difficulty with having to always move equipment around, shortage of supplies and coping with very diversified programs were a few of the many challenges. The founding managing director has kept up the struggle to maintain her vision for 30 years.
AYS, Inc. has served families and children of our community for 30 years. As a partner with many school systems, AYS provides safe and quality before and after school programs to many children. AYS also offers several early childhood programs. As part of the technology project, I visited AYS summer programs in Noblesville. I was very impressed by the activities for the children and the staff interaction and commitment.
My child was part of this amazing program at the school where I work. I cannot say enough good things about this program and all that it offers to the young people that can attend either before, after or during school hours. They follow a curriculum that allows for students at all levels to find success. Children are given choices, and have hands-on activities often within the day. All of these things make for a positive environment in which children are comfortable trying new things and will certainly grow! I especially liked the multi-cultural lessons mixed in throughout the year.
AYS before and after school service was a blessing to me as a single parent who needed to work to provide for my daughter. I was more at ease at my job knowing my daughter was in a safe environment before and after school while I worked. The staff at AYS was a god sent to both of us. They were so thoughtful and cared about my daughter's feelings and helped with her self-esteem and setting her goals. AYS is an amazing service and my daughter and I are very thankful this service was available at her school.
AYS has served our school community for many years. I live in the district where I work and my own children attended AYS many years ago. It was a great experience for them. AYS serves our schools by caring for our students before and after school each day. They are staffed with fine professionals who are dedicated to their jobs!
AYS has been the long-time provider of latch-key care for our school-aged children. We are a very small school system and AYS provides exceptional care and the highest educational programs despite our small number of participants. Absent the involvement of AYS, I fear our children would be left without service.