Psycho-Social Benefits of an Afterschool Program in Romania: Qualitative Analysis of Parental Perceptions

This study investigates in a qualitative manner the psychosocial benefits perceived by the parents of children enrolled in a private Aftershool (AS) program in Romania. The theoretical background includes aspects of school-family-community collaboration and characteristics and legislative frames supporting Afterschool programs in Romania and in the EU space. By using an online focus group approach, the objective was to identify the dimensions of the children-related benefits of the Afterschool program perceived by the parents (6 participants) at social, emotional and cognitive levels, as well as to identify their needs and suggestions regarding the compassion-based educational activities that the AS program might offer to their children. The results indicate a general satisfaction with the AS program, as well as the readiness of the parents to get involved in activities oriented towards community together with their children and the personnel of the AS program.