Change Analysis; Discusses after-school homework programs in public libraries that help latchkey children and others who need extra support and encouragement. Considers changes in librarian's attitudes toward homework help; the history and need for community-based after-school programs; scholastic benefits for students; and library staff benefits,…

As childhood obesity has increased, schools have struggled with their role in this epidemic. Parents with a school-age child in a suburban latchkey program were surveyed regarding their perceptions of childhood obesity, body mass index, and the school's role in prevention and treatment of obesity. More than 80% of participants identified…

This longitudinal study evaluated associations among official rates of neighborhood crime, academic performance, and aggression in a sample of 581 children in 1st-3rd grade (6.3-10.6 years old). It was hypothesized that the influence of crime depends on children's unsupervised exposure to the neighborhood context through self-care. Average weekly…

Discusses the differing study findings regarding the impact of self-care on children. Describes the "Balancing Work and Family Life" project, which tested a self-care preparation curriculum designed to teach children and parents the skills necessary for safety and survival in self-care settings. (SO)

According to a recent Harris poll, over 50 percent of American teachers believe that the most critical factor undermining school performance is children's being left alone after school. Lack of child care in the U.S. has reached crisis proportions. Twenty-first century schools will need to be dual-purpose and creatively financed. Includes five…

This article briefly describes five programs designed to help eliminate the negative aspects of self-care for latchkey children. Suggestions for other programs and ways to begin setting them up are discussed. (MT)

Examined the latchkey status of young adolescents and its effect on their well-being. Found that students at home after school for less than 3 hours report adjustment scores similar to those of students not home alone after school. Students left longer reported much higher levels of depression and behavior problems and lower levels of self-esteem…

The long hours that latchkey children are alone make them sexually vulnerable and provide them with increased opportunities to participate in sexual activity. Their sexual development is as likely influenced by peers, older siblings, television, movies, and books as by their parents. (IAH)

Describes development of a program at the public library in Seaside, California, that offers afterschool homework assistance. Tips on funding, staffing, publicity, services, future plans, and evaluation are provided, and the benefits of this program for latchkey children are considered. (MES)

Checklist to help parents determine whether self-care is appropriate for their children asks whether the child feels secure alone, completes chores, obeys rules, communicates well, lives in a safe area, has a nearby emergency contact, and can telephone a parent. Recommends that parents and children discuss self-care and alternatives. (SM)

Considers the challenges that unattended, or latchkey, children create in public libraries. Discusses demographics and factors that have led to the increase in unattended children; typical library responses; opportunities for service to this group; elements of successful programs; future trends; and further research needs. (Contains 50…

Analyzes age and sex differences among children and adolescents who call KIDLINE, a community telephone service that provides information, support, and assistance to latchkey children. Finds that most calls come from younger children, are conversational in nature, and are from females. Recommends hotlines only as supplements to organized child…

The self-care (or latchkey) arrangement has emerged in the 1980s as a topic of interest to parents, practitioners, and policy makers. Reviews major policy issues and questions about self-care. The following topics are covered: the meaning of self-care, consequences of self-care for children's development, policy implications, and resources for…

This report summarizes key findings from a 1999 nationwide poll regarding support and demand for after-school programs. Participating in the poll were 1,100 adults over age 18 who are registered to vote, and an oversample of 100 parents of school-age children. The findings indicated that 92 percent of respondents agreed that there should be an…

Schools need to initiate changes that will aid latchkey parents. Three conditions which need to be addressed are: school personnel's attitude about single parents, accessibility of school personnel to the working adult, and availability of guidance facilities for the student and parent. Programs and modifications in daily classroom operations are…