A Profile of School-Age Care Programs

This study provides a profile of school-age care (SAC) programs in North Carolina. The purpose was to determine the characteristics of school-age care programs and staff. A survey instrument of 22 questions was mailed to 3,052 school-age care providers in North Carolina; 486 surveys (16%) were returned. Responses were received from 89 of the 100 counties in North Carolina. Major characteristics identified by the study include sponsoring agencies; number and ages of children served; staff size, educational level, and income; and operational functions of the programs. School-age care programs can be improved through a partnership of parents, communities, employers, and various levels of government. Areas needing the greatest attention are staff qualifications and training opportunities, better salaries for staff, improved staff to child ratios, and standards that help describe best practices.