Vermont is one of six states new to the top 10 list in afterschool programs in 2014, according to America After 3PM, which conducteda national survey of parents. A strong afterschool participation number (24 percent, the national average is 18 percent) and an increase in the average time children spend in afterschool programs are contributing factors to Vermont’s fourth-place ranking. Strong parent satisfaction with their child’s afterschool program overall, the quality of care, and program cost are also drivers of Vermont’s entry into the top 10. Despite the fact that 95 percent of Vermont parents are satisfied with their child’s afterschool program and 88 percent of parents support public funding for afterschool programs, unmet demand for afterschool programs in the state is high. One in three children not enrolled in an afterschool program would be enrolled if one were available to them.The "Top 10 States for Afterschool" areCalifornia, theDistrict of Columbia, Florida, Vermont,Massachusetts,Arizona,Oregon,Nebraska,TennesseeandHawaii.
America After 3PM surveyed parents across the country to examine how childrenspend the hours between 3 and 6 p.m.—the hours after school ends and before parentstypically return home from work. It highlights the trends in afterschool programparticipation, documents the benefits associated with participation in afterschoolprograms, and measures public support for afterschool programs.
America After 3PM revealed that nationally 10.2 million children (18%)participate in an afterschool program, yet 19.4 million children (41%)would be enrolled in a program if one were available to them.With 89% of parents satisfied with their child’s afterschool programand 75% agreeing that afterschool programs give working parentspeace of mind, more work needs to be done to ensure that all children are able totake part in an afterschool program that keeps them safe, inspires learning and supportsworking parents.
US Parents are Satisfied with their Child’s Afterschool Program
• 89% are satisfied with their child’s afterschool program overall.
• 88% are satisfied with their child’s afterschool program’s safe environment.
• 88% are satisfied with their child’s afterschool program’s quality of care.
• Parents cited as their top five reasons for selecting an afterschool program:
the program is a safe haven (81%), quality of care (81%), their child enjoys the
afterschool program (81%), location is convenient (80%) and knowledgeable and
well-trained program staff (80%).
Afterschool Programs Provide a Wide Range
of Benefits to Children and Families
• 64% of parents agree that afterschool programs can help excite children
about learning.
• 67% of parents agree that afterschool programs help children gain workforce
skills, such as teamwork, leadership and critical thinking.
• 73% of parents agree that afterschool programs can help reduce the likelihood
that youth will engage in risky behaviors, such as commit a crime, use drugs or
become a teen parent.
• The top five activities parents report are offered by their child’s afterschool
program are opportunities for physical activity (80%), homework assistance
(77%), opportunities for reading or writing (72%), beverages, snacks and/or
meals (72%) and STEM learning opportunities (69%).
Parents Support Public Funding for Afterschool Programs
• Nationally 84% of parents support public funding for afterschool programs,
while just 20% report receiving government assistance with the cost of their
child’s program.
• Nationally 75% of parents agree that afterschool programs help give working
parents peace of mind about their children when they are at work.
• Nationally 74% of parents agree that afterschool programs help working parents
keep their jobs.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
The percentages and projected numbers of children and families in America After 3PM are based on
survey responses from parents. The Afterschool Alliance contracted with Shugoll Research to collect
the data. Nationally, 30,720 households were screened, and 13,709 households completed in-depth
interviews via an online survey using a blend of national consumer panels. At least 200 households
completed interviews in every state and the District of Columbia, between Feb. 28 and April 17, 2014.
For additional information about America After 3PM, visit: http://afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM.
America After 3PM is funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation, The Wallace Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the Noyce Foundation, with additional
support from the Heinz Endowments, The Robert Bowne Foundation and the Samueli Foundation.