Many children and adolescents head to after-school programs when the school day ends. What happens on school grounds—before, during and after school—can have a big impact on a child’s health and learning. Out-of-School Time (OST) is a supervised program that young people regularly attend when school is not in session. These offerings can be academic, specialty (such as athletics, STEM, or arts enrichment), or multipurpose programs that provides a variety of activities like the Boys & Girls Club or YMCA.
Any time a child is on campus, it is important to provide a healthy school environment. Afterschool and summer learning programs are well positioned to be key partners in a comprehensive effort to help children grow up healthy.
Providing Nutritious Meals and Snacks
Schools offering after-school and summer activities should uphold a healthy school nutrition environment after the last bell. Federal child nutrition programs have nutrition standards and can improve children’s diet quality and food security.
Check out the Summer Food Service Program in action in Louisiana at Louisiana Fit Kids!
By meeting the nutrition standards for Smart Snacks in School, OST programs can confidently provide healthy snacks for children, even without participating in federal child nutrition programs.
For a listing of foods and beverages meeting the USDA recommended criteria for Smart Snacks in School, visit Louisiana Fit Kids!
Get Kids Moving
Physical activity can improve concentration and memory, as well as reduce the risk of certain health conditions. OST programs are a key component of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program and encourage students to identify activities they enjoy and might engage in long-term.
Spotlight: Raintree Preparatory Academy
Raintree Preparatory Academy is an excellent example of incorporating physical activity before school which increased test scores, improved grades, increased school attendance and improved classroom behavior.
Meet the Standard
The HEPA Standards 2.0 is a comprehensive set of operational standards for healthy eating and physical activity in OST. OST programs can use the standards to set goals as they strive for program excellence.
Connecting Schools with Out-of-School Time Programs
Coordination between schools and OST staff can strengthen nutrition and physical activity efforts. Schools and school districts can use these strategies to enhance coordination with OST programs:
Invite key OST staff to join the district’s School Health Advisory Council and school health teams.
Include OST program leaders on communications related to school wellness initiatives and policies.
Share their local wellness policy so OST program leaders and staff can see how the district addresses physical activity and nutrition before or after school.
Engage after-school program staff in completing school health assessments and developing action plans.
