After School Programs Provide Safe Havens for ChildrenEloah Rocha

Introduction• With more than a decade of experience in the field of child

psychology, Eloah Rocha serves as a youth counselor at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. Outside of her professional obligations, Eloah Rocha works with children in other ways, including helping to raise money for after school programs.

After school programs offer many benefits to children, including providing them with safe spaces to learn and play while their parents are working, attending school, or handling other business. Some programs work to improve the academic standings of children and may include homework along with structured activities that reinforce and supplement what they learn in school. 

After School Programs•Participation in after school programs often

decreases the risk that children will engage in troubling behaviors in or out of school and increases the likelihood that they will do well and graduate. 

The structure of after school programs may include exercise and healthy snack schedules. As a result, these programs often boost physical activity, healthy eating habits, and the overall health of children.