What types of activities do you offer in your after school program? Is it just martial arts?
Physical martial arts are just a small part of our program and is an elective activity. The philosophical side of martial arts or what we call "martial arts manners" serve as a back drop to the entire program. We realize that physical martial arts do not appeal to everyone, however the inherent respect and thoughtfulness that constitute "martial arts manners" do!
We offer homework assistance and subject tutoring daily and are staffed with professional educators and trained tutors. We have a mini basketball court on our training floor and offer soccer too. There are short twice weekly Tae Kwon Do lessons and electives for dance, yoga and games. Our LifeSkills curricula includes a special manners and character development component that children find fun and meaningful. We use a roundtable format to keep participation levels high and frequently use role play as a medium to teach the material. Children can use our computers to gain skills and there are a variety of board games and movies to choose from. We have a number of books for reading, and an area for arts and crafts .We offer ample "free time" after and between program activities.Tae Kwon Do is just a small part of the total program and is elective. It helps children to exercise and release energy, build confidence and self esteem, and understand how manners and respect are applied to every day life.
Is this program primarily for at risk youth?
No, we think this program is for everyone. While the program has had much sucess with at risk youth because of its structure and social skills curriculum, all children benefit from this program. We live in a time where most families have precious little time together. Having a child complete their homework and do their activities before their parents pick them up enhances family time. The work that we do on social skills and bullying is welcomed by parents because it is consistent with what they teach at home. All children generally benefit from having a structured program. We would venture to say that they have more fun within a structured program because they know what activity is next and what to expect.
What kind of results are you seeing? Does it translate into better performance in school?
Since our program is structured and offers a blend of physical and intellectual stimulation, we hear feedback from parents that their children enjoy the time they spend here! They don't get bored. Further, the roundtable discussions and theTae Kwon Do lessons help to set a code of ethics that include manners and respectful dialogue in the program and at home. Parents, teachers, guidance counselors have commented that children enrolled in this program have been "transformed". They are finding that manners are beginning to emerge, and that children are more respectful, confident, and assertive.We have documented evidence of dramatic improvement in school work too. Subject grades and reading levels have improved measurably, and conduct/citizenship scores are noticably higher. We have a list of parents who would be happy to talk about what the program has done for their child. For more information on testimonials, call our facility at 883-0000 or email us.
Are you a State- licensed Child Care Center?
Yes. While our program does not require licensing as a day care, we have decided to do so in order to be recognized as a program of excellence that meets or exceeds state requrements for education, training and experience, facility safety, and moral character of the staff.
Do you cover school vacations, school cancellations and teacher conference early release?
Yes. We offer full and half day coverage for these events at no extra cost!
How much does this program cost?
We charge $90.00 per week for our after school program. Our prices are extremely competitive with after-care providers, and much less than curriculum driven learning centers. We invite you to compare the price and content of this offering to other programs. We are confident that after comparing, you will be impressed with the quality of our program...and find that it is a great value for the price!
Do you offer before school care and part time Kindergarten care?
Yes, we have found that there is demand for this service and will provide it beginning in September 04.
Is there a penalty for pick up after 5:30pm?
No. We are open most evenings for traditional martial arts classes. We do ask that you try to pick up your child by 6:00pm as most of our staff leaves for the day. We understand that occasionally parents will be delayed. We don't think the popular "dollar per minute" penalty is respectful or proper.
Do you provide transportation?
Yes. We pick up and drop off at Biddeford,OOB and Saco schools daily. Students from Fairfield Burns and Notre Dame schools are picked up and dropped off by the school bus at our facility.
What is Tae Kwon Do ?
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that loosely translated means the way of the hand and foot. Tae Kwon Do was introduced in 1955 as a blending or combining of all Korean martial arts. It like most martial arts has some roots in Chinese and Japanese martial arts. Tae Kwon Do is known and is differentiated from other martial arts by its spectacular kicks. Tae Kwon Do sparring is now an Official Olympic sport...so, Tae Kwon Do can be a sport as well as a traditional martial art.
Do you have to be young and very flexible to do Tae Kwon Do ?
No ! Anyone can practice Tae Kwon Do. Adults who train in Tae Kwon Do find it to be a great workout and it improves their flexibility, balance, co-ordination, cardiovascular fitness, and ability to defend themselves.The forms or choreographed movements of Tae Kwon Do are beautiful and illustrate the art in this martial art. The workouts can be individually dialed up or down to suit the student.
Isn't it violent ? Am I going to be punched or kicked or physically hurt by doing Tae Kwon Do?
No! Our approach to teaching this art is extremely gentle. Sparring and other contact activities are highly controlled to eliminate injuries and are always an elective activity that you can choose to to include or eliminate from your training. We use bags and shields for full power techniques to insure safety.
I get bored walking on a tread mill or exercising alone. Does Tae Kwon Do offer enough activity to take the place of my exercise routine?
Yes it does. Our classes offer an excellent cardiovascular work out and tone muscle. What is great about Tae Kwon Do or any martial art for that matter is that it rarely becomes boring as there is always a new form or technique to learn.There is the added benefit of learning self defense and the confidence it builds in all areas of life.
What style of Tae Kwon Do do you teach?
Our style is ITF Tae Kwon Do. The styles of Tae Kwon Do are differentiated by the forms or patterns used. We use the Chon-Ji forms.
Do you require contracts?
No. We don't use contracts or long term binding commitments. We offer an elective introductory 3 month program that includes a free uniform as incentive but there is no pressure to sign on for extended periods of time. We feel that having no contracts is a built in quality check of our program. In our view the only thing worse than an unhappy customer is an unhappy customer who feels taken advantage of by being locked in to a lengthy contract.
What type of activities do you do in your summer program?
Our summer program was developed with a great deal of input from parents and offers many of the activities that are found in our after school program such as:
- Dance
- Yoga
- Sports
- Computers
- Martial Arts
- LifeSkills Curriculum
For the summer:
- A daily reading component to keep skills sharp and developing. Most teachers recommend that children read for 30 minutes per day throughout the summer. This simple practice greatly enhances academic performance during the school year. We set aside time each day to do this and make it fun for children by providing themed reading areas. Children are encouraged to read about what interests them. They can bring in their own books or we have a good variety at our facility.
- A daily 3 hour field trip to area beaches, parks, and recreation areas.
- A weekly trip to Funtown/Splashtown
- Opportunity for Red Cross Swimming lessons
- Enrollment of only 26 students to keep the program "portable" for daily excursions and personable.
We have included all field trips and incidentals such as sun screen, bug spray, towels, snacks in the price of the program to minimize daily packing.
What is the cost of the Summer program?
The cost is $135.00 per week, includes all activities, and is competitive with the YMCA and other summer programs.
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