Cumulative and Differential Effects of Early Child Care and Middle Childhood Out-of-School Time on Adolescent Functioning.

Effects associated with early child care and out-of-school time (OST) during middle childhood were examined in a large sample of U.S. adolescents (N = 958). Both higher quality early child care AND more epochs of organized activities (afterschool programs and extracurricular activities) during middle childhood were linked to higher academic achievement at age 15. Differential associations were found in the behavioral domain. Higher quality early child care was associated with fewer externalizing problems, whereas more hours of early child care was linked to greater impulsivity. More epochs of organized activities was associated with greater social confidence. Relations between early child care and adolescent outcomes were not mediated or moderated by OST arrangements in middle childhood, consistent with independent, additive relations of these nonfamilial settings

Prevalence and Types of School‐Based Out‐of‐School Time Programs at Elementary Schools and Implications for Student Nutrition and Physical Activity

BACKGROUND Out‐of‐school time (OST) programs are an important setting for supporting student health and academic achievement. This study describes the prevalence and characteristics of school‐based OST programs, which can inform efforts to promote healthy behaviors in this setting. METHODS A nationally representative sample of public elementary schools (N = 640) completed surveys in 2013‐2014. Administrators reported on OST programs and policies at their school. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the prevalence of school‐based OST programs, adjusting for school characteristics. Among schools with OST programs (N = 475), chi‐square tests identified school characteristics associated with having an OST policy about physical activity or nutrition. RESULTS Three fourths of elementary schools (75.6%) had a full‐ or partial‐year school‐based OST program, with 30.8% having both. Full‐ and partial‐year programs were significantly less prevalent in rural and township areas versus urban settings. Only 27.5% of schools with OST programs reported having physical activity and/or nutrition policies. CONCLUSIONS Most US elementary schools have an on‐site OST program, but disparities in access exist, and most lack policies or awareness of existing policies regarding physical activity and nutrition. To maximize OST programs\u27 potential benefits, strategies are needed to increase access to programs and physical activity and/or nutrition policy adoption