Perceptions of the Need for After-School Programs for School-Age Children and Parents
Dunbar, Betty-Jo Armstrong
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/69054
Description
Title
Perceptions of the Need for After-School Programs for School-Age Children and Parents
Author(s)
Dunbar, Betty-Jo Armstrong
Issue Date
1986
Department of Study
Education
Discipline
Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Education, Elementary
Abstract
As a result of the 1984 federal law which has provided funds for after-school care for school-age children, this study was designed to determine the after-school parental and child care needs of school-age children in an urban community. Initial data results prompted comparative analysis of families with adults at home after school versus families without adults at home after school hours.
The research questions spanned four areas of concern. The first research question addressed the scope of state legislation for after-school programs for school-age children. The second and third research questions explored demographic characteristics of school-age children and their families in a public school district. The fourth, fifth, and sixth research questions assessed parental perceptions and desires regarding after-school programs for school-age children. The final research question sought analyses and interpretation of data regarding desires of adults who were at home after school hours and those adults who were not at home after school hours.
Three types of descriptive survey techniques were used to collect data: (a) a mail survey of state officials, (b) a questionnaire survey conducted at parent meetings, and (c) telephone interviews of parents of school-age children. Secondary analysis of U.S. Bureau of Census data revealed pertinent community statistics.
Results indicated that only 13% of respondent states had existing or pending state legislation for after-school programs. There were no standard eligibility criteria nor statewide after-school programs.
In the predominantly black community, with families headed by young, single mothers, it was found that 70% of the families had adults at home with school-age children after school hours. In addition, it was indicated that these adults, at home with school-age children, wanted after-school programs just as adults who were not at home desired after-school programs for their children. After-school program activity preferences were similar for both groups of adults.
Recommendations include an increase in federal and state funds for after-school programs for school-age children and parent participants.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
