How Partnerships and Innovations Support the Increased Need for School-Age Child Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Out-of-school time (OST) programming has been an integral piece of the school-age child care puzzle for decades. Working families often depend on care before and after school and during school breaks (e.g., summer) for their children when their work schedules do not align with the traditional school day.

Research shows that OST programs can prevent adverse outcomes, decrease risks, and yield positive outcomes for youth in several areas, including academic achievement, socio-emotional functioning, and school engagement and attendance. Positive outcomes are made possible through school-based and community programs supported by successful partnerships and innovations. Schools and community-based programs, including center-based child care programs and family child care programs, work together to meet the needs of families in their communities.

This practice brief shows how state-level partnerships combined with innovative practices serve to strengthen and coordinate available resources for the benefit of thousands of children and families.

Publication Date
Resource Type
Brief
Archive Status
Unarchived