Congregations Caring for Children

Starting an After School Program

Starting an After School Program

Starting an After School Program

Starting an After School Program

Starting an After School Program

There is insufficient data on the supply of high quality, affordable after school

programs for children and youth.  The need is certainly growing as increasing

numbers of parents enter the workforce and therefore, are unable to supervise

their children during the work day.  According to the California Report Card 2000

by Children Now, nearly three million California children and youth ages 6 17

live with two employed parents or a single employed parent, and approximately

1.4 million of these children live in low income families (defined as an annual

income of no more than $30,500 for a family of four in 1998).

The available information shows there are just over 300,000 after school slots

subsidized through state and federal funds, indicating that many working fami 

lies who would like their children to be involved in an adult supervised activity

after school may simply not be able to afford it. Again, the need for congregations

to fill the gap is high.

Quality school age care offers a safe, friendly, and stimulating environment for

older children when they are not in school. The following are some measures of

high quality in school age care:

Children are supervised at all times.

Indoor and outdoor activities are stimulating and fun for this age group.

The program is flexible to meet the individual needs of children.

Transportation is provided to and from school, the program is walkable from

school, or if necessary, the program is on a bus route.

Afternoon snacks are available.

There is access to a quiet study place, computers or other learning tools for

doing homework.

The program provides tutoring for children who need extra help.

The provider feels comfortable with visits from school friends on site.

If possible, there is transportation for after school activities, such as sports,

piano, Little League, or 4 H.

The method of discipline is appropriate for older children.

The children have some say in organizing their day.

The following pages provide a planning guide and helpful resources for congre 

gations interested in offering a school age care program in their community.

Adapted from Your Guide to Child Care by the Care About Quality campaign, California Depart 

ment of Education/Child Development Division.

45