Indicator: 26 - On-Site Before or After School Programming

Why This Is Important

School administrative units that offer on-site before and/or after school programming do so often from a need expressed by parents in the community. This is in recognition of the number of parents who work full-time and can benefit from a program that provides a safe and nurturing environment for their children. These programs also respond to the “latch-key” child who, because his/her parent(s) have to work, may often leave school to return to a home without adult supervision. It is widely recognized that the time period immediately after school hours is often when young people engage in risky behaviors in their community.

Where We Stand

There appeared to be a considerable decrease in the number of these extended day opportunities from 1998 to 1999. There was no data available to describe the reasons why this reduction occurred in Maine schools and communities.

Data Sources and Context

The source for this data is the Maine Department of Education. The programs described here are offered on the school site either before or after regular school hours. They may be administered by the school administrative unit or by a community-based organization, and offer recreational and/or educationally related programming for the children and youth.