Timeline of Afterschool Learning
1938
1939
Child Labor Laws Enforced
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The country enforced laws preventing factories from hiring child labor which gave children more free time. This furthered the development of schools and programs to keep students engaged and supervised.
World War 2
Changes to the American Labor Force
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1955 was a major turning point as men went to war and women fill in the labor gap leaving many children returning to empty homes. This is when the term "latchkey children" was trending.
1960s
Changes to Neighborhoods
Increase in crime, drug use, and gangs
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During this time, anti-poverty campaigns were put into action in an effort to combat the increase in crime in high-poverty neighborhoods. More funding was given to schools, childcare, and readiness programs for low income communities.
1971
1970s-1980s
1980s
Comprehensive Child Development Care Act of 1971
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Realizing the equality gap in child development and child care, experts came together to propose a comprehensive childhood policy that gave every child the right to quality childcare regardless of socioeconomic status.
Supervision Gap
Family Structure changes
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During this time, more women continue to enter the workforce leaving children unsupervised. Single-family households became more prevalent which had significant impact on child development.
1983 Caucus
Neighborhood influences
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The first Congressional Children's Caucus focused on the negatives of children being unsupervised for an extended period of time. Studies found that latchkey children are at risk of feeling stress, lonely, and fearful and may become more susceptible to drug and alcohol abuse.
1990s
1991
1994
Childcare and Development Block Grant Act
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Under George H.W Bush, the CCDBG was enforced to subsidize quality childcare for low-income families. It increased the amount of afterschool programing to allow parents to pick their kids up on time while the child can remain in a supervised environment.
First National Before and After School Study
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Research found over 1.7 million children were enrolled in afterschool programs. Links were found between participation and levels of self-esteem. These analyses positively influenced and supported acts relating to childcare.
21CCLCs
Improving America’s Schools Act
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The 21CCLC was passed under President Clinton's administration which put greater focus on childcare for school-aged children.
California Leadership
2000s
2002
21st CCLC in CA
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21stCCLC in California is enforced but still leave millions of children unserved. Its eligibility is restrictive and only 5% of families actually qualify to receive support under the act. Voter support establish basis for the After School Education and Safety Act in 2002.
After School Education and Safety Act
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California enforced the After school education and safety Act in 2002 which is also know as Prop 49. It has remained as one of the largest state funding and continues to support low-income students throught California.
2000s
Advocacy in California
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Many organizations work diligently to provide summer programs and afterschool programs to low-income families. They also work to develop quality programs and tools for instruction.
1998
2002
Community Learning Center
First Federal Funded Afterschool programs
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This program was the first federal funded after school program which supported the partnership between schools, communities, and families to ensure year-round quality academic success and child development.
The Equity Shift Appears
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Under President Bush's No Child Left Behind Policy, there was a major shift from just supervision and childcare to afterschool programs focusing more on academic success and development. It was used as a way to complement regular classes and can help enrich the student's learning experiences.
2000s
Research on Summertime influence on Achievement Gap
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Research found that the summer is when children fall behind their middle-class peers due to a lack of engagement and preparedness. It was found that reading losses were unique to low-income students.
