Welcome!

Fundamentals is simply as the name implies, a fun after school and summer time program for kids, but in addition, serving the dual purpose of providing care for students of working professional parents. Our program is housed on site, within the participating schools, which enables us to provide better safety, more convenience, and affordability for families. We seek out primarily private schools, in which we feel our principles and quality standards are compatible. Our program fully embraces cultural diversity and private/international schools offer more opportunity for incorporating this aspect, as well. Bringing our program to the schools, allows for a three-fold, united partnership between parents, the school, and the after school time program, to fully meet the needs of the students. It provides a cost effective means (zero cost for the school) of offering their students and parents, this growing demand, for high quality after school programs. In addition, it allows participating schools to become leaders and set the standard in the way educational and student care needs are being met in Central America. Fundamentals primary purpose is to fill the after school time hours with a fun and safe place for children to develop the skills necessary in preparing them for a successful future, while at the same time, solving student care needs for parents. Our plan is to provide services during vacation time, as well.

There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in Graham Greene

F.A.S.T.
Terri L. Hammer Mario M. Barreda
Cell: +1-405-760-8666 Cell: +1-818-613-9298 Fundamentals.ast@gmail.com www.FUNdaMENTALS-ast.com

VISION Promote happy healthy childhoods, inspiring a community of learners, in preparation for a successful future. MISSION
The mission of FUNdaMENTALS is to provide an after school care program that is fun and engaging, while serving the fundamental needs of kids. Centered on positive childhood development through a whole child approach (physically, emotionally, and socially) we will provide a routine that is structured, yet flexible enough to meet individual needs, while strengthening learning abilities, character building, social, and critical thinking skills. We will provide a stimulating environment that nurtures autonomy and creativity, while kids and staff together create a community experience where everyone belongs

Philosophy
A childhood should be concurrent with the amount of time it takes for the brain to fully develop, which is somewhere between the ages of 18-21. It has been said, Play is the work of children and What we learn with pleasure we never forget, and this is the primary foundation on which the program is built upon. We believe play and curiosity are some of the most fundamental elements for lifelong learning and it is essential part of childhood development. Weve created a program that includes movement, creativity, socialization, and novelty to promote physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth. When children discover and develop their own learning, they gain a sense of ownership and the knowledge becomes their own. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where kids can develop individually, as well as socially, while learning responsibility and creating their own sense of community. Parents will have the benefit of knowing their children are safe and well cared for, while allowing time for their work, commitments and activities.

Play is considered so important to childhood development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child.

Program Model
Our program is designed to strengthen the whole child (physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally) which we consider to be the fundamentals for healthy childhood development. It is geared as well, to build from this foundation the necessary skills for preparing students in attaining long term, success in life. We provide a nurturing and creative environment, which present children choices of structured learning and enrichment based activities and clubs. This gives them an opportunity to explore new interests and expand their talents through, arts and crafts, theatre, music and dance, poetry, chess club, science, out-door recreation, etc. We also recognize the need for down time after a rigorous school day, so we also allow for more individualized outlets for studying, reading, writing, drawing, or simply enjoying some quiet time and rest. Students may also enjoy talking with adult staff members, who act as role models and mentors. Building relationships and a community where every child feels they belong, is essential with Fundamentals. Our program is based on research of education and after school programs in top performing countries throughout the world, such as Singapore, Shanghai, Finland, Japan, and Canada.

Benefits of Fundamentals After School Time

Provides parents with a high quality, student care option during after school hours. Located on school sites allow for safety, convenience, and affordability to parents. Provides a time and place for students to develop and practice life skills, while exploring interests and talents. Kids have access to a variety of activities from which they can choose. Allows kids to have safe and supervised free-time, with access to mentors and role models. The students need to feel successful and to connect socially, research indicates are two goals most important to students, and a goal we share as well. Gives students the opportunity to develop skills for a global society such as multiculturalism, communication skills, teamwork, self-discipline, leadership, and creativity and innovation. Positions the school as a model for providing their families with options that better meet the needs of their students. Establishes participating schools as a leader in Nicaragua for providing quality after school time and student care services. Fundamentals After School Time becomes another partner with schools and parents in the preparation for their childrens future success.

Great student performance and future success is the result of many adults working in collaboration rather than individually

OUR CORE VALUES

Quality Respect Integrity Compassion Diversity Fun

KEY STRATEGIES
Strategy 1: Provide extensive staff training and on-going professional development Strategy 2: Apply Engaged and Collaborative Learning methodology and best practices Strategy 3: Develop strong management and business administration Strategy 4: Conduct monitoring, supervision and evaluation assessments Strategy 5: Garner the support of critical stakeholders

Play is universally a primary language of children

Pilot Program
To establish Fundamentals in your school, we need at least 30 students, between K-8th grades. After a scheduled meeting in December, we will formalize our partnership with the participating school by signing the necessary agreements and creating a Scope of Work. At this time we will address matters regarding responsibilities, liability, and copyright. Begin student registration for the Pilot Program two weeks prior to opening date. Have access to designated space, such as the cafeteria or gymnasium, and the playground area. We are quite adept in sharing limited space and storage. However additional use of space, such as the library for students to conduct their clubs, would be greatly appreciated. Providing a creative environment for children is a vital part of the after school time experience. Students gain a sense of esteem and community spirit when they are allowed to display their art work and contribute to their surroundings. That being said, resourcefulness is something Fundamentals values and also needs to demonstrate to our students. All students will be advised in the proper use and care of borrowed or shared areas. Considering this is the students own school, we expect them to enter the after school program with an instilled respect and appreciation for the accommodations, made on behalf of their school, in making this service available to them and their families. Staff quality is the most important aspect for sustaining a high quality, effective program. Fundamentals will hire only qualified, committed professionals that are established or seeking to become established in a career working with school age children. We will provide on-going and professional development training. Our team leaders will facilitate and supervise all clubs and activities, while acting as mentors and role models for the students, and each other. Themes and curriculum: social skills, character building, developing values based leadership skills, and multiculturalism Time Frame: duration of Pilot Program is 8 to 12 weeks. Start date: To be determined. Evaluation of Pilot Program: We will use the Elev8 Extended Learning Self-Assessment Tool (ELSA). This self-assessment tool will enable us to understand the overall quality of our program; consider how the program is evolving and where it will go in the future. We will encourage staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders in discussions regarding how we can continuously improve our program and services. Prepare a survey to determine interest and need for this type of on-going service.