This background briefing paper synthesizes current thinking and practice on the issue of latchkey children and school-age child care (SACC). The paper defines the problem of latchkey children; reviews related literature and programmatic responses to the problem; reports responses of four southern states; and points out implications for policy…

This article describes the characteristics of before- and after-school child care programs and deliniates the features needed to accommodate children with special needs. Potential ways to adapt current programs to fill this need and suggestions for design of future programs are discussed. Characteristics of effective programs are reviewed. (PB)