Summarizes research findings about latchkey situations. Suggests activities and programs which involve parents, schools, and community. Provides potential resources for programs for use by practitioners. (Author/NB)

Reviews research examining the effects of self-care skills training programs on latchkey children's knowledge, behavior, and emotional well-being. Suggests ways in which the findings can be used to improve the quality of self-care instruction and presents directions for future research. (Author/TE)

In approximately 60% of married-couple families with children under the age of 18, both parents work outside the home. Among single-parent families in 2004, the mother was employed in 72% of those maintained by women, and the father was employed in 83% of those maintained by men. 55% of all children in low-income families have at least one parent…

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…

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.…

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)

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)

This document discusses latchkey children. It states the problem to be the academic, social, and emotional effects experienced by "latchkey children." Eleven papers or articles on these academic, social, and emotional effects are annotated. Fifteen papers or articles on types of programs available for latchkey children are also annotated. Nine…

Considers well-being of children who are home alone during part of the day. Addresses questions parents, researchers, and family life educators may have about self-care. Reviews five related research studies defining the self-care arrangement, the number of children in self-care arrangement, the number of children in self-care, impact of self-care…

Examines literature on latchkey children and public libraries, and reviews solutions to this issue. Presents four recommendations to help public libraries clarify their role in serving latchkey children: educate personnel regarding appropriate services, develop a written policy, reevaluate programs and services, become involved in a community task…

Almost half of the 13 million children aged 13 and under are estimated to have no supervision after school hours. Communities and schools must develop responses to the problem tailored to local needs. (MD)

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…

Currently, there are over 16 million working mothers in the United States. Nonetheless, few children's books portray working mothers. In the books that do, the child is often anxious and lonely, especially when returning from school to an empty house. If children's literature is to be realistic, it must reflect the prevalence and positive aspects…

Discusses ways that school media specialists can address the needs of latchkey children and at-risk students. A total of 21 resources providing background information and suggestions for dealing with the issues involved are listed. (MES)

This article explores potential risks faced by children with disabilities who are left at home alone. The importance of assessing children's needs and skills for safely staying home alone is stressed and suggestions offered for concepts to teach children, alternate methods of supervision, and other practical concerns. (PB)