Characteristics of fifth-grade children in relation to the type of after-school care

Does the type of after-school care affect a fifth-grade child's self-perception, substance use, or school performance/attendance? Children in three types of care, self (n=28), sibling (n=20), and adult (n=106), were recruited to address this question. Data were obtained via the Self-Perception Profile, self-report of risk-taking behavior, and school records. Self-care was significantly more prevalent in Caucasian (23%) and Hispanic (19%) families. No significant differences were found across care groups in self perception, academic performance, or attendance. Ten to twelve percent of children reported substance use in each care group, though the type of substance use differed across care group. These data suggest that type of after-school care is not related to increased risk but may be related to type of substance use.