Documents the rapid expansion of after-school programs and emphasizes the importance of program quality. Identifies the characteristics of quality programs and offers four "principles for principals" for those who wish to introduce or improve after-school programs in their schools. (Author/MLF)

Due to working parents, unsafe home conditions, and mass-media pressures, schools are becoming increasingly involved with providing child care for school-age children. While afterschool care poses a number of design, funding, and equity problems, schools and communities can resolve them to the great benefit of the children served. (MLH)

Almost half of the 13 million children aged 13 and under are estimated to have no supervision after school hours. Communities and schools must develop responses to the problem tailored to local needs. (MD)

Discusses information garnered by the Center for Early Adolescence (North Carolina) from parent surveys, visits to programs, and conversations with youth workers, program directors, and young people concerning successful after-school programing for young adolescents. Adolescent needs (diversity, self-exploration, participation, physical activity)…

Harvard Family Research Project's series of "Out-of-School Time Evaluation Snapshots" distills the wealth of information compiled in the Out-of-School Time (OST) Program Evaluation Database into a single report. Each "Snapshot" examines a specific aspect of out-of-school time evaluation. This "Snapshot" describes instruments used by current OST…

As part of a series of multimedia resources providing relevant information on important topics facing education leaders today, this booklet and accompanying audio compact disks focus on how extended learning programs and services after school can ensure that all students meet academic learning standards. The booklet includes an overview of the…

Describes the formation and organization of a mathematics club for fourth- and fifth-grade students. Offers 12 hints on running a successful club based on the author's experiences. (MDH)

Conducting market research for out-of-school-time planning can replace assumptions with facts, give kids and parents a voice to express their needs and preferences, and help build stakeholder buy-in and support. This practical guide shows community leaders, policymakers and out-of-school-time practitioners how to use market research to make more…

Culture studies/global education could easily occupy students' time for an entire academic year. However, faced with the realities of the typical teaching day, it is difficult to find time for anything new or different. One solution is to provide students in the social studies with enrichment learning opportunities through the creation of an…

Noting that the need for after-school child care will vary considerably by community, this tool kit has been developed to encourage local collaborations of community members to examine the needs and programs for school-age care, with this term including child care before school and during the summer, in their community. The guide provides a…

The increasing emphasis on student achievement and mastery test scores has many after-school programs struggling with the demand to improve academics and offer homework assistance, while also offering a well-balanced program providing opportunities for play and social interaction. This paper asserts that project-based activities can encourage…

Despite widespread support for out-of-school time programs, many of these programs rely on time-limited core funding and struggle to find new funds to sustain their programs and initiatives as initial grants expire. This report provides concrete tips and examines ways out-of-school time initiative leaders have succeeded in replacing initial seed…

Mental health problems can develop at any point in life and may be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics or family history of a disorder, chemical imbalances in the brain, or stressors in the environment. Adolescence is a time of great change and transition, when youth are starting to make decisions about career paths, further…

Currently at least 5 million children--some estimates are as high as 15 million--are left unsupervised before or after school for 3 or more hours a day. In response to the problems of these latchkey children, many public schools are now developing some form of school-based or school-related before- and after-school child care programs. The purpose…

Sustainability is a critical issue for the vast array of community initiatives that promote healthy children, strong families, and safe communities. Noting that sustaining an initiative over time requires maintaining sufficient fiscal resources as well as a combination of nonfiscal resources from the initiative itself and the broader community,…