A Word From the Executive Director
Getting to Know the West After School Center
The following questions and answers are intended to help the community become acquainted and better informed about programs and activities at the West After School Center (WASC).
Q: What is the mission of the West After School Center?
The mission of the West After School Center is to enhance the educational, social, and cultural experiences of students and families in our community.
Q: How did the WASC begin?
The WASC originated in 1997 as an after school tutoring program in the basement of the Sixth Avenue United Methodist Church in response to needs identified by the staff of West Elementary School.
Q: Who owns the West After School Center?
An independent, 15-member board of directors who are volunteers from various segments of the community.
Q: Is the WASC a part of the Lancaster City Schools?
No, the WASC operates as a non-profit corporation separate of the school system.
Q: Does the WASC operate with publicly-raised tax dollars?
No. The major portion of WASC operating funds comes from state and federal grants. The WASC also depends on community partnerships, support from local foundations, and private donations for operational resources.
Q: What is a 21st Century Community Learning Center (21stCCLC)?
The 21st CCLC Program is a key component of President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act. It is an opportunity for students and their families to continue to learn new skills and discover new abilities after the school day has ended. Congress appropriated $991.07 million for after-school programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2005. The focus of this program, re-authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the No Child Left Behind Act, is to provide expanded academic enrichment opportunities for children attending low performing schools. Tutorial services and academic enrichment activities are designed to help students meet local and state academic standards in subjects such as reading and math. In addition, 21st CCLC programs provide youth development activities, drug and violence prevention programs, technology education programs, art, music and recreation programs, counseling and character education to enhance the academic component of the program.
Q: What is the Latchkey Program?
This program operates simultaneously with the 21st CCLC program. There are fees for the latchkey program, which operates from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Registration is open to any Lancaster student in grades K-5. Some families may qualify for childcare reimbursement through the Fairfield County Job and Family Services. When not attending regular classes, a kindergarten student may be enrolled in an extended day program available for the first 18 students from any school to enroll.
Q: What happened to the WASC Social Worker position?
Following the resignation of the former social worker, the WASC board approved a job description revision and employment of a student and family coordinator, with more time based at the WASC rather than West School. The Student and Family Coordinator is available to assist parents with their individual needs.
Q: How are children and families enrolled for programs at the WASC?
First, call 653-5678 and speak with the receptionist or the Student and Family Coordinator. Participation in the 4-5 p.m. after school tutoring program is limited to 15 students from each grade level at West School that are in need and require assistance in reading and math. Prior involvement in the program and teacher recommendations for new students influence registration decisions. Other programs are open to all West School students and families.
Paul G. Young, Ph. D.
Executive Director
West After School Center, Inc.