Research Shows Critical Need Met by PrimeTime®
Recent national studies have repeatedly confirmed the need for after school programs that provide a healthy, safe environment for children during the after school hours. In response to that need, Scripture Union and The Salvation Army developed and co-published PrimeTime®, the faith based after school program for children. PrimeTime® is helping to meet a critical need for a safe, wholesome environment for children who would otherwise be alone, unsupervised and “at risk” after school.
The after school hours of 2-6 p.m. each week day are the most dangerous hours to be a pre-teen child. Many children are “home alone” or on the streets unsupervised between the time school is dismissed and their parents get home from work. Recent studies have shown that children are at significant risk for and in danger of being the victims of violent crime or involved in crime and other dangerous or undesirable behavior.
Studies show that the vast majority of juvenile crime is committed between 3-6 p.m. Most teenage pregnancies begin in the mid-afternoon when youth are unsupervised. Research also shows that children are three times more likely to be victims of violent crime during that time period than are adults 35-49. Taken together, these studies show why there is such a critical need for an after school program such as PrimeTime®.
Significant Opportunity Presented
These children, alone and unsupervised after school are among the nearly 10 million children under the age of 18 considered “at risk” in our country. the after school hours clearly represent a significant opportunity to help keep these children out of trouble and help them learn and grow, both academically and spiritually, in a safe, healthy environment.
That’s the goal of PrimeTime®: to provide a safe, welcoming environment after school; a neighborhood place where children can relax, learn and also hear of and experience the Good News of God’s love for them. The 40 week PrimeTime® curriculum parallels the school year and provides for recreation and fun, a snack, tutoring and homework help and a Bible based learning time.
For more information about PrimeTime® or the PrimeTime® curricula, The Big StoryTM-Year 1 and Following Jesus-Year 2, please call the PrimeTime® Help Hotline 1-800-621-5267. Ext. 406 (Shawnette Jones). |
