This document lists the 16 characteristics that help integrate comprehensive program planning into the regular school program and other family-support systems. The 16 characteristic arose from a review of research on effective afterschool programs and interviews with active program sites. The characteristics are as follows: climate for inclusion; community partnerships; coordination with the regular-school-day learning program and community partners; culturally sensitive climate; evaluation design; facilities management; focus on at-risk students; funding; leadership and governance; linkages between afterschool, regular-school, and community partner personnel; parent involvement; public relations; recreational programming; safe and healthy environment; staffing, staff qualifications, and training; and volunteers. Listed alongside each characteristic is an indicator that describes the characteristic in more detail and offers samples of policies and programs that indicate if the characteristic is present in the program activities. The policies and programs are divided into three stages of development, based on the extent of integration evidenced in the activity. Readers will notice increasing evidence that the lines between the afterschool program, the regular school day, and partnerships within the community become blurred and the term "after school" no longer applies. A definition of terms is included. (Contains 11 annotated references.) (RJM)