Afterschool Investments Project Resources
The Afterschool Investments project has developed the following tools and materials for Child Care and Development Fund grantees and other State and local leaders supporting afterschool efforts:
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Strategy Brief |
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Fact Sheet |
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Tool |
Quality Improvement
Quick Facts on School–Age Care: Trends in Quality Rating and Improvement
Systems (QRIS)
(Updated January 2010)
This document offers a one-page overview of State policy trends in quality
rating and improvement systems for school-age care, including a map showing
which States have incorporated specific school-age indicators in their
statewide QRIS. (HTML | PDF)
Using the Child Care and Development Fund to Support a System of Quality Improvement for School-Age Programs (Developed October 2009)
This publication provides information and considerations for State child care administrators and policymakers for improving access to high quality school-age programs that reflect the unique needs of school-age children. A systems framework is used to illustrate strategic approaches to using the Child Care and Development Fund and other resources to build a strongly aligned system of quality improvement. An accompanying self-assessment tool is available to help state leaders identify the strengths, opportunities, and gaps in their current system of quality supports for school-age programs.
Full Brief: (PDF)
Self-Assessment Tool: (MS Word) | (PDF)
Quick Facts on School-Age Care: Trends in Quality Improvement (Updated September 2009)
This document offers a one-page overview of State policy trends to improve the quality of school-age care, including a map showing which States have made school-age adaptations to child care licensing regulations, professional development systems, and quality rating systems. (HTML | PDF)
Using Quality Rating Systems to Promote Quality in Afterschool Programs (Developed September 2007)
Most tiered quality ratings systems were designed with early care providers in mind, but are readily adaptable to providers that care for school-age children. For those providers who only serve school-age children, adapting the ratings systems is more challenging. This brief outlines issues in adapting tiered quality ratings for those caring for school-age children; offers suggestions for adaptations; and provides examples of innovative solutions that states are proposing.
Executive Summary: (HTML | PDF)
Full Brief: (HTML | PDF)
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Licensing Regulations
Quick Facts on School-Age Care: Trends in Licensing Regulations(Updated September 2009)
This document offers a one-page overview of State policy trends in licensing
regulations for school-age care, including a map showing which States have
separate or stand-alone school-age licensing requirements. (HTML | PDF)
Promoting Quality in Afterschool Programs through State Child Care
Regulations (Developed June 2006)
This publication provides states with strategies for adapting
state child care regulations to better promote quality in afterschool programs.
There is also discussion of how states can align child care regulations with
other strategies for improving the quality of afterschool programs. (HTML | PDF — 1.6M)
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Professional Development
Building Professional Development Systems for the Afterschool Field (Developed September 2007)
This publication provides a snapshot of state and local approaches to building professional development systems for school-age care professionals, highlighting the shared challenges these systems face and the common components of sustainable professional development systems.
Executive Summary: (HTML | PDF)
Full Brief: (HTML | PDF)
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Subsidy Administration
State Child Care Subsidy Administration Policies for School-Age Care (Developed September 2007)
This strategy brief examines subsidy administration policies and practices with regard to how they promote access to care for school-age children. It explores how states establish provider reimbursement rates for school-age care, determine co-payments for families with children in school, and develop strategies to facilitate the transitions between part-time care during the school year and full-time care during school and summer breaks.(HTML | PDF)
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System Building/Governance
Linking and Learning: Lessons for Afterschool from Early Childhood System-Building Efforts (Developed January 2007)
While early care and afterschool providers serve different populations with distinct needs, there are many similarities in the infrastructure and supports they need to succeed. This paper describes eleven lessons that the afterschool community may learn from the system-building efforts in the field of early care and education. (HTML | PDF—1.4M)
A Guide for Effective Governance: Considerations and Lessons Learned for
Afterschool Networks. (Developed June 2006)
This tool is intended to help statewide and local
afterschool networks to implement effective governance practices that help them
to meet their goals. Key components of governance discussed include: vision,
structure and leadership, accountability, broad representation, communication
and measuring results. (HTML | PDF—3.4M)
Making Smart Investments in Afterschool: A Policy Primer for State and Local
Leaders (Developed June 2006)
This brief offers ideas for state and local policymakers to develop interagency
collaboration, expand access to affordable afterschool programs, and advance
general program quality. Examples of promising practices from across the
country are included to show leaders concrete ways of promoting the
sustainability of afterschool programs. (HTML | PDF—2.1M)
Creating a Vision for Afterschool Partnerships (Developed 2004)
(HTML | PDF—2.1M )
This tool is intended to help the growing number of new afterschool partnerships create a shared vision for their work. It contains information to educate partners on what a vision statement is and the purpose it serves; provides two alternative techniques for creating a vision; and includes a variety of considerations for planning teams as they finalize a vision statement.
Estimating Supply and Demand for Afterschool Programs: A Tool for State and Local Policy Makers (Developed October 2004)
(HTML | PDF—603K)
This tool provides a framework for estimating supply and demand—from basic steps to an in-depth review—by summarizing and highlighting experiences in a number of states. This tool describes the ways states and communities have made estimates and included lessons learned from pioneers in the field.
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Financing and Sustainability
CCDF and 21CCLC: State Efforts to Facilitate Coordination for Afterschool Programs (Developed October 2004)
(HTML | PDF—502K)
To date, few afterschool programs have successfully integrated funding from the Child Care and Development Fund and 21st Century Community Learning Centers. This brief describes the rationale for increased coordination, the challenges involved, and emerging strategies for states to consider that can make it easier for programs to utilize both funding sources.
Resource Guides for Afterschool Program Providers (Developed 2006)
The Afterschool Investments project has developed resource guides on starting
an afterschool program and financing an afterschool program . These guides present
helpful publications and resources as well as a range of considerations
for individuals developing new afterschool programs or seeking to sustain
existing programs.
Starting an Afterschool Program: (HTML | PDF—38K)
Financing an Afterschool Program: (HTML | PDF—46K)
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Resources for Providers
School-Age Children in Regulated Family Child Care Settings (Developed September 2007)
This publication explores the role of licensed family child care providers in caring for school-age children. It outlines steps that states can take to better support these providers in serving school-age or mixed-age groups and addresses information gaps in the field where further research is needed. (HTML | PDF)
Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Nutrition in Afterschool Settings: Strategies for Program Leaders and Policymakers (Developed August 2006)
This strategy brief outlines the important role that afterschool programs can play in efforts to prevent childhood obesity and includes ideas for incorporating nutrition and fitness into afterschool programming, strategies for financing these efforts, and examples of policies that can support and encourage the afterschool community’s endeavors to steer children toward healthy choices. This checklist summarizes strategies and resources discussed in the brief and can be used by program developers and policymakers to guide strategic discussions and planning around policy and program options.
Full Brief: (HTML | PDF—2.5M)
Checklist: (HTML | PDF—118K)
Federal Resources for Afterschool Providers (Developed 2007)
This resource list offers a sample of information available on the Afterschool.gov website, including tips on starting and operating an afterschool program, accessing resources for program funding and financing, delivering fun and innovative curriculum and activities, and addressing issues facing America's youth. (HTML | PDF—55K)
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