Studies 48 after school care programs selected from a survey of 141 public school systems in North Carolina. Provides information on location, population, operational policies, content, personnel evaluation, and plans for future changes. (RJC)

Data on 13,881 students and their parents suggests that mother's time in the labor force is clearly only associated with amount of unsupervised time after school and whether parents volunteer at school. Students' gains in test scores over two years are generally independent of maternal employment status. (JPS)

Considers solutions that families often use to meet their needs for after-school care: self-care and after-school programs. Describes: (1) the incidence of these care arrangements; (2) familial, child, and community factors related to their use; and (3) the conditions under which these arrangements either support or undermine child development.…

With the majority of mothers of school-aged children now in the labor force, there is much concern about the supervision of these children when the parents are at work and school is out. Of particular concern are children in self-care after school, many of whom spend their time in places other than home. This study contrasted sixth-graders in…

This hearing was held to discuss issues related to the reauthorization of Project Head Start and the dependent care programs. Witnesses expressed the current administration's support for a 3-year reauthorization of Head Start, discussed the impact of the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings legislation, and described the Department of Health and Human Services'…

Child care problems associated with latchkey children, teenage mothers continuing their education, and homeless families are discussed, and possible solutions are considered. The public library has been identified by many parents as a safe place for children to go after school and at other times when childcare is needed, and this has created a new…

The author documents development of the After-School Care Program in the Dade County School System and assesses the extent to which its clients agreed on the goals, staff, program, supplies, and facilities based on a survey of parents. Recommendations are included. (CH)

Reviews existing research on the characteristics and consequences of after-school child care arrangements. Addresses three questions: (1) what effect does adult-supervised versus unsupervised after-school care situations have on children; (2) what factors are associated with working parents' decisions to use such arrangements; (3) and what…

This article addresses the concerns of parents who must arrange after school day care for their school-age children. Various arrangements, such as after school programs and telephone hotlines, are described, as are steps for implementing such plans. (JL)

The sharp increase in double-income families has raised questions about responsibility for before- and after-school care for children of working parents. The role of the school, parental practices, effects of self care, and existing programs and services for latchkey children are reviewed. (MT)

While self care is not always harmful, research finds that when children under 13 are regularly left to spend time alone or to be cared for by young siblings, they may be at risk for injuries and developmental problems. This research brief focuses on two groups of children that may be particularly vulnerable when they lack regular adult…

A 4-year longitudinal study of 53 children (ages 7-12 at start) and their employed parents explored self-care arrangements and the children's reactions to them. Variations included range of activities and settings, extent of children's after school responsibilities, social support and children's interpretations. (MT)

Describes a program called the Life Skills group which was started to help latchkey children who attended a rural elementary school. Besides teaching the students practical skills, such as answering the door, organizers developed a newsletter and created a specific curriculum for parents to better meet the needs of their children. (RJM)

This article discusses the phenomenon of "latchkey kids" with disabilities and the shortage of after-school care options for children with special needs. General factors for consideration in the complexity of child care needs are discussed by way of an introduction to the following four articles. (PB)

To determine the status of latchkey programs in the United States, a questionnaire requesting information on actual or pending latchkey programs and legislation was sent to each state superintendent of schools and the secretary of the education committee of the state legislatures in the 50 states. A content analysis of the questionnaire responses…