Teen R.E.a.c.h. after school program:

Teen R.E.A.C.H. program services are provided for at-risk children and youth ages 6 to 17. Accepted age group subsets are 6-10, 11-13, and 14-17.
Teen R.E.A.C.H. programs are delivered during out-of-school time which includes: before and after school, school holidays, week-ends and summers. Teen R.E.A.C.H. integrates community efforts on behalf of children and youth, working through collaborations of local schools, faith-based organizations, businesses, human service providers, and Illinois Department of Human Services programs. The Provider will work collaboratively with other programs and services provided by the Department and its Contractors in the Provider's service area for Teen R.E.A.C.H.
We are required to have linkage agreements and collaborate with schools that have students attending Teen R.E.A.C.H. program activities and from each partnering agency participating in the Teen R.E.A.C.H. program.
Community Advisory Council - Our Community Advisory Council includes youth, parents, community leaders and business owners. The Advisory Council meets on a quarterly basis.
Service Hours & Days of Operation The program operates during after school hours, in particular the early evening hours (3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)

Teen R.E.A.C.H. 7 core services

Includes time to do homework, tutoring in basic skills, and programs that encourage creativity.

Training and education that promotes the development of healthy lifestyles, and increasing the knowledge of the harmful effects of alcohol, anger management, and conflict resolution.

Parental monitoring of academic performance.
Increase in positive and effective parental communication with children and teens regarding alcohol and tobacco.

Includes providing activities and arranging safe outlets for youth to try new skills and develop new interests, build friendships, find their place in a group, and gain developmentally relevant experiences.

Programs must allow opportunities for youth to develop and maintain positive, sustained relationships with caring adults through mentoring and other programs that emphasize one-on-one interactions.

Service-learning is a method of teaching and learning that connects classroom lessons with meaningful service to the community. Students build academic skills while strengthening communities through service. Service learning combines service tasks with structured, youth-driven opportunities that link the task to self-reflection, self-discovery, and the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills and knowledge content with service tasks.

Students must develop the skills to solve problems and make sense of complex information.