By Kathy Cook Hunter
There’s excitement in the faces of the nine children participating in stimulating after-school activities. In a safe environment with adult supervision, they are enjoying learning experiences and getting a little tutoring, if needed.
The children are enrolled at The Creek After School Center sponsored by and located at Silver Creek Fellowship in Silverton. The center, which opened Oct. 6, serves intermediate-level students from Robert Frost Elementary.
“We encourage lifelong learners using activities that enhance what they’re learning at school,” said director Melanie Pfaff. “We sent out a questionnaire last spring that told what we were planning, and we got back 28 responses. Currently we have nine children signed up, and we’ll take a maximum of 15. We can only take that many this year but hope to expand next year.”
The Oregon Child Care Division, part of the Oregon State Department of Labor, oversees The Creek, and the mostly volunteer staff (including a Robert Frost teacher) meets the division’s requirements for childcare workers. The Creek usually starts at 3:15 p.m., after Robert Frost’s normal schedule, but opens earlier on early release days. It closes at 6 p.m.
Seven sessions will take place during the 2008-09 school year, said Pfaff, with each session being about a month. The cost is $20 per session or $140 for the year. “We don’t supply a snack and have asked parents to send one each day,” she said. “But supplies and trips are provided.”
The students are brought to the facility by a First Student school bus. “It’s provided at no cost to us,” Pfaff said. “I think this is part of their corporate community service.”
Robert Frost Principal Beth Davidson said she is thrilled and impressed with The Creek’s program, since her school has no space available for an ongoing childcare area.
“I’m really happy they’re doing it,” Davidson said. “It provides a place for the kids to go, and we have some kids who need a wholesome place to go – it really fills a need.”
Pfaff, a social worker, has a background working with residents at Willamette Lutheran Retirement Community and students at South Salem High School. She’s done daycare, been a church secretary and was the office manager at the former Cornerstone Christian School.
The Creek is not presenting religious training. “As our literature says, we will focus on promoting positive attitudes, strong values and good decision-making,” Pfaff said, “as well as a sense of community and good citizenship. That’s a description straight out of the Child Care Division’s guide. We’re not going to use any biblical instruction or curriculum, but, obviously, those operating the program are Christians. The goal of the program is to provide quality childcare.”
The curriculum is academic and educational “with a dose of fun!” she added. “Our goal is to do hands-on activities, up-and-down activities, moving around more than they do at school. At The Creek we have the flexibility to let them move around.”
A unit on the science of flight includes a sit-down activity of folding paper to create a flying item, Pfaff said. “Then we’ll have a contest to see how far yours flies,” she said.
Presenters “will come and show and tell why they love what they do,” she said, naming talks by a member of the Silver Chips Woodcarving Club and a weather science discussion by Christine Ferreira, a weather broadcaster at KOIN, as two programs scheduled.
Other activities planned include international pen pals, carols at Christmastime, crafting with elder care patients, making wreaths and learning about the local nursery and Christmas tree industries.
“I’ve always had a curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, and we’ll encourage these kids to do the same thing,” Pfaff said.
The Creek’s literature states, “We will provide opportunities for students to build and practice skills in problem-solving, making responsible choices, cooperation, creativity and appropriate social interactions.”
“Statistics show there’s an inordinate number of children this age and younger going to homes where there is no supervision,” Pfaff said. “We want to give a better option and have some fun with it.”
The Creek, 822 Industry Way, Silverton, is accepting grants and financial donations. Parents get information by calling Pfaff at 503-873-7353.
