Program Overview

Imagine Nation Academy (INA) is a school-aged morning and afterschool enrichment program licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The program services school-aged children 5 to 12 years of age. The program strives to meet the child care needs of families who are working or interested in educational enrichment. The program offers a safe, supportive environment that fosters positive self-esteem and personal growth for participants.

The single greatest resource of Imagine Nation Academy is our program staff. Program educators are carefully selected to exemplify INA’s commitment to high-quality educational enrichment and to ensure that the growth and needs of our participants are the center of our interactions and nurturing care. Educators in each group will work to establish trusting relationships with participants so that children will feel safe to express their feelings and supported to experiment with new skills.

Educators work collaboratively to deliver a planned curriculum that is stimulating, flexible, and accounts for the intellectual and developmental needs of all children in care. As the cognitive abilities of children grow, we will continue to provide opportunities to practice new skills. Children will be encouraged to think critically and creatively through the exploration of open-ended materials, opportunities for experimentation, and exposure to new experiences. Program educators introduce and continually reinforce The 5 R’s by delivering age-appropriate activities that are theme-based, engaging, and challenging. Children will spend time each day participating in learning activities, working on homework, and engaging in physical activity. Children are encouraged to develop peer relationships. Educators will facilitate friendships where appropriate, but will also allow for periods of uninterrupted play between children. Program educators and curriculum will help children to recognize their own feelings and those of others, and to successfully negotiate conflicts as they arise. Per licensing regulations set by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, a 1:13 staff to child ratio is always ensured; however, INA will always strive to provide a staff-to-child ratio that is better suited to support the needs of the children enrolled in our care.

Imagine Nation Academy seeks partnership with program parents/guardians. We value the diverse experiences and cultures of program participants and encourage families to share and participate in our program whenever possible. In addition to the expertise of INA educators and helpful information for families. Our program recognizes the time constraints of families and the importance of family time. As part of this partnership, homework time is offered each afternoon. Students shall have access to most of the necessary materials to complete assignments and will be provided with a quiet space to work on homework which will be monitored by our educators. When the need arises, children will be offered support by INA educators with homework help, such as reading instructions, comprehension support, or explaining theories, or working through math problems. Students will be guided to stay on task and encouraged to complete assignments independently and neatly. Homework is used as a tool for teachers to measure a child’s mastery of any given subject matter. Therefore, homework can be looked over by INA educators, but will not be corrected. We encourage families to review their child’s homework.

Imagine Nation Academy is proud to offer optional supplemental enrichment activities or classes such as Spanish Language, Karate, Tennis, etc. These activities are offered to enhance the after school experience, and as a convenience to busy families. Enrichment activities will be offered throughout the school year, and are a separate sign-up and additional cost. Enrichment activities are selected based on the interests of children and families, as well as availability and quality of programming and participation space.