Enrollment cost prevents 2 in 3 local parents from sending children to after school programs, study finds

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Local parents wanting to enroll their children in after-school programs are unable to do so, mostly because of high costs, a recent study found.

American After 3PM, an annual study from the nonprofit Afterschool Alliance, found that only one in five children in the Greater Richmond area, which includes Richmond and Henrico and Chesterfield Counties, are enrolled in after-school programs despite their parents wanting to do so.

This means parents of 81,929 children want after-school programs for their children, yet only 17,531 students are participating.

A majority of families, or 67% of Richmond area parents, cited enrollment cost as the barrier most often preventing them from enrolling their child. After-school programs in the area reportedly cost an average of $131.70 per week, compared to the statewide average of $144.20.

Other barriers local parents cited include inconvenient locations, a lack of a safe way to get to and from programs and programs not being available in their communities, the study found.

Across the Commonwealth, 145,486 out of 745,577, or one in five students whose parents said they wanted after-school programs, are enrolled, per the study.

The study also found an overwhelming majority of parents agree that after-school programs benefit both kids and their caretakers.

Virginia parents said these programs help them keep their jobs or work more hours, lead to less stress because they know their child is safe, boost productivity at work and positively impact their overall wellbeing.

Parents also agreed that after-school programs help kids build social skills and responsible decision-making, decrease screen time and excite them about learning and improve school attendance, among other benefits.

Virginia After 3PM is one edition of the national report that provides insights into how children and families experience the hours after school. The study surveyed more than 30,000 households in the U.S. with a school-aged child.

Click here to read the full study.