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| What are the Benefits of After School Programs? | Finding an After School Program | What to Look for in an After School Program |
 What are the Benefits of After School Programs?
- After School Programs Provide Safe, Supervised Environments for Children
- Unsupervised children are at greater risk of truancy, stress, poor grades, and risk-taking behaviors
- Unsupervised children are more likely to experiment with tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and sex
- Juvenile crime rates triple during the hours that children are out of school and their parents arrive home
- According to the National Child Care Survey:
44% of children are unsupervised
25% of children are cared for by relatives
14% of children are cared for in child care centers
7% of children are cared for in family day care
- Parents are free to work or pursue goals knowing that their children are safe when they are unable to be with them
- After School Programs Build Positive Relationships and Increase School Success
- Students in after school programs show better achievement in school
- After school programs give children opportunities to develop peer friendships
- Children are afforded opportunities to develop relationships with mentors and other adult role models
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 Finding an After School Program
- Contact Children's Home Society, the local child care resource and referral office at (714) 543-2273 for a directory of after school programs in your area.
- Contact the local school and see if there is an after school program on campus.
- Speak with other parents, grandparents, and guardians about where their children go after school.
- Contact local community organizations
- City Parks & Recreation Department
- Churches, synagogues and mosques
- Police Department
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What to Look for in an After School Program
- Does the program staff make children feel comfortable and welcome?
- Is the program staff qualified to work with the children?
- Is the staff to student ratio adequate?
- Are the children in the program engaged in learning activities?
 Do the children in the program have the opportunity to make choices? - Does the program's inside and outside space allow for a range of activities?
- Are the program activities age appropriate and stimulating?
- Is the program's facility clean and well kept?
- Does the program have an established system for knowing where the children are at all times?
- Do the program's operating hours meet your needs?
- Does the program encourage parent and community involvement?
- Is there adequate supervision?
- Are nutritious snacks provided?
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