One of the most common and persistent needs for families in rural areas is quality child care. It is a need that affects families across the socioeconomic spectrum when resources are geographically scarce. United Way of the Ocoee Region’s Center for Social Impact, as a hub of Tennessee Afterschool Network, developed this guide from the stories and contributions of successful afterschool programs in rural areas that were built from the ground up to respond to community needs.
This guide will assist members of rural communities in asking the right questions and taking the first steps to:
- Assess the possible need for an afterschool program
- Utilize strengths and existing resources to initiate development
- Create a foundation that will lead to a sustainable, fluid program that meets the established needs
- Plan for the future and growth of a new program