Thousands of students are waiting to get into state-subsidized after-school programs, according to a new report that is fueling calls on Beacon Hill to increase funding.
The report by a legislative committee found that while an estimated 200,000 public school students are enrolled in after-school programs, an estimated 362,312, or about 44 percent of all students in the state, would sign up for a program if they had the option.
The biggest problem is funding isn’t enough to meet demand from low-income families who can’t afford to pay for private programs.
“This is an equity issue,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton, D-Lynn, who helped lead the committee. “The cost of child care is very expensive, and too many parents have to choose between their work or professional career, and taking care of their kids after school.”