Intended for use by community organizers, parent-child advocates, parents, teacher education programs, and field experience classes, this book discusses after-school programs designed to assist students in completing homework, aid youth in acquiring basic educational and social skills, and help their parents become more effective agents in their children's schooling experiences. The book is divided into four parts, and an introduction that discusses changes in American society, the needs of at-risk children, and characteristics of after school programs. Part 1, "Getting Started," discusses organizing an after-school program, advisory councils, goals, cooperative efforts, publicity, fundraising, human resources, staff recruitment and training, and physical and material resources. Part 2, "The After-School Program Plan," describes the blueprint needed by an after-school program; setting up contents of the program to supplement the regular curriculum; ways the program can go beyond school subjects to teach character, values, and morality; and tutors and testing. Part 3, "The Parent Focus," contains information on working with parents, level of parent participation, and information on parent education programs. Part 4 consists of a directory of resources that includes contact information for publishers, producers of learning materials, periodicals and miscellaneous programs, and other resources, including government agencies and professional associations. Contains 26 references. (DR)