Afterschool programs are rich with educational opportunities. Programs can make what is learned during the traditional day vibrant and relevant to the lives of children. Comprehensive programs that are integrated into the regular school program and draw on resources within the community can yield positive outcomes for children. Key to this integration is planning and strong relationships between the afterschool program management and the teachers and staff working with students between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. This guide examines comprehensive program planning in 16 characteristics: (1) coordination with the regular school day learning program and community parters; (2) community partnerships: (3) recreational programming; (4) focus on at-risk students; (5) climate for inclusion; (6) culturally sensitive climate; (7) facilities management; (8) funding; (9) safe and healthy environment; (10) leadership and governance; (11) engaging the public; (12) parent involvement; (13) evaluation design; (14) linkages between afterschool, regular school, and community partner personnel; (15) volunteers; and (16) staffing, staff qualifications, and training. This guide lists each of these characteristics with indicators that describe it in more detail. Also included are samples of policies and strategies that indicate if the characteristic is present. These policies and strategies were gathered from programs nationwide. Some are easy to do while others require a strong collaborative environment and people willing to experiment with new ways of operating. This guide can be used to: (1) gather ideas on ways to continuously improve program design; (2) expand understanding of a truly integrated, comprehensive approach to program planning; (3) create dialogue with school staff, community agency personnel, and families about what the program should look like; (4) determine the program's current stage for each characteristic and then write an action plan to enhance or expand activities that may be less than integrated; and (5) plan how to reap the great benefits for the future of the program and all of the children involved. A list of resources is also included. [This guide was produced by Learning Point Associates, Naperville, IL.]