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Making the case for the opportunity and risk of Out-of-School Time.
“Out-of-School Time” refers to all of the hours before school, after school, teacher workdays, school holidays, weekends, and summers. Children and youth spend 50% more time out of school than in school.
Experiences that foster social, emotional, physical, moral, and intellectual development are proven to be essential for children and youth to become capable and effective members of society. Furthermore, these programs and activities keep youth safe, support working parents, and increase academic achievement and aspirations.
These hours afford an ideal opportunity to explore special interests and abilities, learn new skills, experience new places, and expand lessons learned in school. Programs ranging from athletic and recreational to cultural and academically based contribute to the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of children of all ages. OST programs can enhance a student's academic experience by impacting attendance, attitude, academic performance and the likelihood of graduating.
Juvenile violence and crime are four times greater during after school hours and youth are 37% more likely to become teen parents if they are not involved in after school activities. Thousands of children and youth are not in the supervision of a caring adult for long periods of time each week - 20 to 25 hours. Young people "home alone" for long stretches of time are at great risk of multiple social problems
Refer to the National Institute for Out-of-School Time Fact Sheet on Children and Youth in Out-of-School Time.
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