Quality out-of-school programming has been shown to have positive impacts on young people’s academic, social, physical, and social development. Summer programs, particularly, are also demonstrably effective in closing the achievement gap between higher- and lower-performing students. Currently, there are 6,400 license-exempt or licensed School Age Child Care (SACC) and Family Child Care programs in the region, with a total capacity of 67,000 children (approximately 12% of the region’s 5- 14 year old population.) 23% of participating children receive subsidies administered by MA Department of Education and Care, and approximately 2,700 children are on the waitlist. New strategies are needed to spread this effective tool.
8) Create public-private partnerships to provide resources for out-of-school programs
9) Streamline access to funding for after-school and out-of-school programs