Resources For After School Programs

After school programs are also known as Out-Of-School programs and they are meant to cater to children of all ages.

These programs range from academic support to mentoring to sports and recreation to youth social programs to arts. In short, these programs offer children and youth the opportunity to engage in all manner of activities after school. According to research, these programs that children and youth engage in play a critical role when it comes to their development as well as shaping their future. This has greatly increased the demand for programs with over 10 million children currently estimated to be involved.
 
It has been found that these programs improve the academic performance of children, improve their communication skills, increase the confidence and self-esteem of the children and mentor them to become future leaders in their communities. Such programs also promote good health and classroom behaviors among participating children. Apart from the parents and the children, the community at large also benefit from after school programs.

For instance, they are able to have a safe and productive time while the children are at the centers. Having said that, various federal agencies provide support and resources to centers that provide after school child care. You can explore those options from your respective state agencies.
 
Some of the resources you might find helpful include the following:

• ​Health Resources and Services Administration
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Institutes of Health
• Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
• Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools
• Office of Special Education Programs

 
The following links could also be useful:

• About Safe Communities

• Center for Mental Health Services
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Emergency Planning for Schools
• Healthy People 2020
• Healthfinder.gov
• Injury and Violence Prevention and Control
• National Immunization Program
• Museums and Libraries: Engaging America's Youth
• Read.gov
• What Works Clearinghouse
• School Bus Safety