A Policy Analysis of School-age Child Care Services in The Des Moines Public Schools

Abstract

The problem. There was a need for the Des Moines Public School District to refine its policies to guide future program planning. An analysis-and evaluation of school-age child care services would provide data to help determine (1) whether or not the program was effective, and (2) what changes might be advisable to develop guidelines for future improvements. Procedure. The study collected objective data and subjective information which was analyzed and evaluated to determine whether or not the program was effective, develop policy guidelines, and make recommendations for the program. The history of the Child Care Program in the Des Moines Public School District was documented and professional opinions were collected. Parents, school principals, and caregivers involved in the present program were surveyed to determine expressed needs and adequacy of the program. Findinqs and conclusions. The results of the study revealed that parents, principals, and child care staff were satisfied with overall quality of the program, that the program should be offered in every elementary school, and that additional support personnel and in-service training is needed. Recommendations. As the program expands the District should develop a plan for additional support personnel at the administrative level, adequate facilities in each building, a staff handbook, and an evaluation instrument. Additional staff development classes are needed to emphasize public relations skills in addition to developmental needs of children. The Des Moines Public School District needs to develop a plan to meet parent requests for child care in regional centers on non-school days.