Out-of-School Time Care (OST) Program

Impacts through Starting OST

The following data is based on the study "The Impacts of 64 School Age Child Care Programs in 15 States (Including South Dakota)" sponsored by USDA-Cooperative Extension Service, National 4-H Council and the Dewitt-Wallace Foundation. Questionnaires were completed by parents, teachers, principals and OST program staff.

Increased Pro-Social Behaviors

• 33% reported shy children became more outgoing.
  
• 23% reported rejected children learned to make friends.
  
• 34% reported children became more cooperative with adults.
  
• 22% reported children took increased responsibility for planning the program.
  
• 46% reported children developed new interests

Reduced Problem Behaviors

• 29% reported fewer behavioral problems.
  
• 35% reported decreased vandalism in school.
• 37% reported children learned to handle conflicts by talking rather than hitting.

Improved Academic Behaviors

• 33% reported children developed more interest in reading.
  
• 21% reported improved school attendance.
  
• 36% reported better homework completion.
  
• 34% reported improved grades.
  
• 17% reported grade retentions were avoided.
  
• 13% reported program helped children avoid placement in special education.