Manitas Kid Zone

Enrichment Program

"We create memorable childhood experiences everyday"

Nationally Accredited

Manitas Kid Zone was first accredited by NAA (National Afterschool Association) from

January 2004 - January 2007.

Manitas Kid Zone was Tempe's first accredited Afterschool program and is now going through the reaccreditation process.

Manitas Site Staff

Morning Program

• Mr.  Aaron - Program Manager
• Ms. Brooke - Program Manager
• Mr.  TJ - Asst. Program Manager
• Ms. Melissa - Activity Leader
• Ms. Kirsten - Activity Leader

Afternoon Program

• Mr.  Aaron - Program Manager
• Ms. Brooke -  Program Manager
• Mr.  TJ - Asst. Program Manager
• Ms. Tulli - Asst. Program Manager
• Mr . Travis - Activity Leader
• Mr.  Ty - Activity Leader
• Ms.  Cassandra - Activity Leader
• Ms.  Melissa - Activity Leader
• Mr.   Jon - Asst. Activity Leader
• Mr.   Tiernan - Asst. Activity Leader

School Educational Goals

Manitas is a model school where academics and life skills are taught through neighborhood community involvement and an inspired knowledgeable staff together dedicated to helping students achieve their greatest educational potential by which students strive to demonstrate: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Daily Schedule

Morning Program

• 6:30 - 8:00  Kids' choice: Centers, active game

• 8:00am       Dismiss children to playground (teacher-supervised)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

• 3:05 - 4:20  Kids' choice: Centers, outside activities, homework, snack, clubs

• 4:20 - 4:30  Squads: Announcements, review rules, clinic descriptions, award presentations

• 4:30 - 5:30  Zone time clinics

• 5:30 - 6:00  Clean up, active game or outside choice

Wednesday - Early Release

• 1:05 - 1:15  Squads: Announcements, review rules, clinic descriptions, award presentations

• 1:15 - 3:15  Kids' choice: centers, outside activities, clubs, snack

• 3:15 - 3:30  Squads: Announcements, review rules, clinic descriptions, award presentations

• 3:30 - 4:30  Zone time clinics

• 4:30 - 5:30  Kids' choice: centers, outside activities, clubs

• 5:30 - 6:00  Clean up, active game or outside choice

Homework

An integral part of the Kid Zone Program is to provide students with the opportunity to work on homework assignments or other academic activities. The Kid Zone Program supports each child as he or she accepts the responsibility of completing homework assignments. Our staff provides guidance and encouragement to the children during he homework/study time while serving as resources for learning.

The Homework Club is located in the table room Monday - Thursday from 3:15 - 4:15. Take a tour down "Homework Highway" which might just lead your to "Study City" or maybe to the "Whispering Woods". Either way, you will definitely leave smarter than when you came. We have created such a cozy, welcoming environment that some children come even when they don't have homework. Children can come to read or they can participate in the fun and educational activities that are provided to reinforce skills that the children are learning in school. No matter what the reason, all children who participate in Homework Club can take part in the incentive program. Earn rewards for getting smarter!

Clinics

Clinics are educational activities focusing on an individual theme or subject that lasts for 45 minutes a day for a whole week. The clinics are planned and taught by our enthusiastic and well trained staff.  These clinics are free and only open to children registered at Kid Zone.

Enrichment Clubs

Club time at Kid Zone is a time when the children are separated into smaller groups, usually based on age, to participate with their peers in age-appropriate activities. As there is an enormous developmental difference between a kindergartener and a fifth grader, staff plan activities that are geared towards each developmental level. Behavior problems are often reduced and children feel more comfortable in the smaller groups with their peers.

Centers

As an enrichment program, Kid Zone believes that play is an incredibly important medium of learning. Our staff develop themed lesson plans that focus on play experiences that enable children to develop and accumulate their own knowledge. The following are a few examples of what children are learning at our centers on a daily basis.

• Creative Play: Developing mobility of thought and practicing cooperation

• Reading and Listening: Developing language skills and story comprehension

• Drawing and Painting: Developing hand-eye coordination and good self-concept

• Patterns and Magnet Boards: Developing classification skills

• Math: Following mental plans and problem solving

• Science: Making generalizations about the properties of various objects

• Developing gross motor skills and learning how to take turns

• Board games: Learning how to follow rules, problem solving and working with others.

Incentives and Awards

At Manitas every week, one boy and one girl are awarded the prestigious C.O.W. (Citizen of the Week) Award!  This award recognizes children who have displayed excellent character through good sportsmanship, a positive attitude, a teamwork approach, by making good decisions and cooperating with others. Children who earn this award get special privileges such as sitting on the stage during squads, picking first for clinics and a COW button they get to wear (and keep!) and more! 

A great big MOO! to all the C.O.W. winners! Keep up the great work!