In Oklahoma, too many children and youth are left unsupervised and unsupported.  

Across the nation, children are being left unattended during out-of-school time… and they are struggling. National and state data links lack of supervision to several critical issues including adolescent crime rates, substance abuse, low social competence, poor academic performance, delinquent behavior and health problems stemming from inactivity.

Access to Afterschool programs

• One out of four children in Oklahoma (K-12) cares for themselves afterschool without any adult supervision.
• It is estimated that only 6-12% of Oklahoma’s children regularly participate in an afterschool program.
• Waiting lists for afterschool programs have grown to the point where, in some Oklahoma communities, families may wait for more than two years for their children to be able to attend.

Academic Achievement

• Almost 40% of students in Oklahoma are not reading at a satisfactory or better level by third grade.

Safety and Health

• The Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition estimates that nearly 40% of Oklahoma’s children are overweight or obese. The Harvard Family Research Project has shown that afterschool programs increase levels of physical activity in participants.
• Adolescents ages 12 to 19 are the victims of violent crime at much higher rates than are adults. Adolescents who have been violently victimized may be more likely to commit violent criminal offenses themselves. Afterschool programs have been shown to reduce juvenile crime and victimization, drug use, and vandalism.

Families

• 59% of all Oklahoma school-age children have working parents.
• 87% of working mothers polled said that the hours afterschool are when they are most concerned about their children’s safety. Quality afterschool programs provide a safe place for children and peace of mind for parents.

Business and Community

• Childcare-related absences cost U.S. companies an estimated
  $3 billion annually.