The first national Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week will be celebrated by the Fayette County School System April 25-29.

The purpose of Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is to recognize those who work with youth during out-of-school hours. The National Afterschool Association spearheads the weeklong recognition. This marks the first year of the celebration. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Heart of Afterschool.”

The After School Program (ASP) operates in all 14 of the school system’s elementary schools, and is open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program begins at the end of the school day and lasts until 6:30 p.m. every day that school is in session.

Today such programs are viewed as more than just childcare. Students participate in a variety of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, civic awareness, intellectual curiosity and lasting friendships. ASP employees are responsible for creating weekly themed plans for activity centers in addition to daily learning centers.

Approximately 20 percent of all Fayette County elementary students are enrolled in the After School Program.

Parents, students and community members are encouraged to thank the ASP employees at their schools for all of the work they do throughout the year to provide enriching and fun learning experiences for participants.