There’s a critical need in Maine for something called “out of school care”—also known as before and after school care. It’s not just important for the thousands of Maine parents who work longer than the traditional school day; for the hundreds of businesses who employ those parents, out of school care is necessary to sustain a workforce.
How necessary? According to data from the National Afterschool Alliance, we know that for every Maine child enrolled in an afterschool program, there are five additional children, and their parents, waiting for such an opportunity.
“Out-of-school programs in Maine – before school, after school, vacation camps and summer day programs -- consistently have waitlists. Capacity is simply not meeting need,” Educate Maine’s Executive Director Jason Judd testified this week. He urged the Health and Human Services Committee of the State Legislature to approve $5 million in funding for out of school care.
“More parents are leaving the workforce, reducing their work hours, or being forced to move to less desirable jobs,” Judd told the lawmakers. “That hurts their families economically and has a negative impact on the productivity of the businesses and non-profits they work for, and our local and state economies.”
He added that the academic enrichment offered in out-of-school time programs – like help with homework, extra reading and reading supports, and exposure to activities in STEM subjects, improve student engagement and learning. It also helps support increase student attendance at school, reduces risky behaviors and increases health and wellness outcomes.
Also testifying in favor of LD 1389 was Auburn Police Chief Jason Moen, who said that appropriate out of school care for kids was an investment in safe and thriving communities.
“Smart investment in kids today means less burden on the criminal justice system tomorrow,” Moen said.
