How are afterschool providers affected by the current economy?

During difficult economic times, struggling working families need additional support. Families are relying more on afterschool supports as they take on more work hours or struggle to afford basic necessities for their families. Fewer families are able to afford to pay for child care so demand for free and subsidized programs is rising at the same time that funding for these programs is being cut.

To compensate, afterschool providers have had to reduce programming, eliminate field trips, and minimize staff which results in less individualized attention for students. So even if the doors remain open, quality across the board declines when funding is reduced.

And it is not just about the supervision or enrichment of children. For low-income children, afterschool and summer programs are also often a reliable source of nutritious snacks or a hot meal and ease the burden of providing food. Without access to these programs, many children will go hungry.