Noting that faith communities play a vital role in connecting to families and children and often become involved in and supportive of education issues important in their local community, this document discusses the development of partnerships involving public schools and faith-based communities. The document compiles a series of talking points for…

The growing demands for afterschool programming for children is accompanied by an increasing understanding of the importance of quality care and activities to children's healthy development. Among the many challenges faced by the growing number of out-of-school time initiatives are developing financing plans and finding funding that will support…

Describes a school-community program based on and extending the efforts of the Michigan Model Family Geography Challenge. The program includes inviting community members to participate in hands-on activities, as well as, shared activities between parents and students followed by dinner and socializing. Discusses materials, assessment, and…

Explores some of the approaches used in one after-school program operating in seven sites in Massachusetts to provide an environment and build individual traits that lead to resilience in early adolescents. Describes four categories of voluntary activity clubs: the arts, including drama, photography, and dance; practical skills, including cooking,…

In rural northeast Nevada, the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and Lander County School District collaborated to develop and administer an after-school program for at-risk elementary students that provided care, homework sessions, and life skills education. Results included increased community support for such programs and improvements…

Studies the Urban Youth Network, a network of agency centers located in eight of Chicago's most deprived neighborhoods. Provides information about inner-city children and the difficulties of reaching them and holding their attention. Discusses the degrees of funding and staffing that are needed to enable centers to realize their potential. (BB)

Describes the development, characteristics, and effectiveness of the Everybuddy Program in South Richmond-Chesterfield, Virginia, an integrated after-school care and recreation program for disabled and nondisabled children. (BB)

Discusses a school model for the next century which would build child care and family support into the school system by using school buildings for early childhood services and afterschool programs. Proposes a family support system involving three outreach programs in which parental involvement is a key factor. Discusses concerns about costs and…

Examines what children learn from using educational technology in an informal, collaborative environment. Explores how mastering educational computer programs can promote problem-solving transfer. Studies at three after-school computer clubs reveal children who use educational software may learn content knowledge about computer literacy,…

Describes a college service-learning project addressing a crucial need for school-age child care within the community. While creating and implementing the after-school program, students took responsibility for their decisions, cooperated to solve problems and delegate tasks, and developed leadership and self-efficacy. The result was student…

Examined the effects of 4 different types of after-school care arrangements (formal after-school programs, mother care, informal adult supervision, and self-care) on 216 children from low-income families. Children who participated in formal after-school programs had higher academic and conduct grades in school and spent less time watching…

Notes the increase in after-school programs for school-age children and discusses ways to meet the outdoor play needs of this age group. Stresses the need to recognize the unique physical, cognitive, and social needs of school-age children; offers suggestions for developing or modifying playgrounds to meet those needs. (TJQ)

Examines children's production and participation in play and games in an Italian preschool and a Swedish after-school program. Considers play as part of a process of interpretive reproduction in children's lives, and demonstrates how children at play use a range of communicative skills, collectively participate in and extend their peer cultures,…

A Seattle (Washington) initiative is dedicated to building a system for out-of-school care, especially for low income, minority families. In this interview, the program coordinator describes how area out-of-school providers cooperated to train staff, train trainers, and elevate the field to a profession. Major issues that affect program quality…

Along with dramatic changes in California's racial and ethnic composition, the next 50 years will bring significant changes to family life, with profound implications for public education and civic involvement. A new third social institution is needed to encourage youth development when not at home or school, and to prepare children for life in a…