The hours outside of the school day comprise more than 90 percent of a school-age child's time in a given year. Learn what kids are doing when they're not in school, and how to help give them opportunities to learn social skills, develop new interests and competencies, and form strong bonds with adults in this article from the National Child Care Information Center's Child Care Bulletin.

Experts agree there are both benefits and detriments to participation in youth sports. The Institute for the Study of Youth Sports (YSI) at Michigan State University conducts research and provides educational materials for coaches, officials, administrators, and parents to help kids get the most out of physical activity. Explore past issues of Spotlight on Youth Sports, YSI's newsletter covering issues on the youth sports scene.

The Coming Up Taller Awards recognize ten outstanding after-school, summer and weekend arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of American children, provide them new learning opportunities, gateways to support services, and safe havens.

A children's librarian reflects on the numbers of children left at libraries after school, and the ways this institution can meet the challenges with student librarians, volunteers, new programs and activities.

"We think there's something wrong with your child" are chilling words for any parent to hear. But this guide from ZERO TO THREE can help parents identify what's appropriate, what to expect, and potential warning signs of an inappropriate assessment.

Improved care for pregnant women lowers rates of fetal alcohol syndrome and drug-addicted babies born to American Indians, Senior Editor Richard Louv reports.

Family and child serving systems, including managed care, must have the flexibility to respond rapidly and appropriately to the changing physical, emotional, mental, and social development of infants, toddlers, children and youth. The Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health outlines what this means for these systems.

Want to help kids stay alcohol- and drug-free, while making use of the latest technology? The National PTA offers tips for adults to be strong role models for kids, set guidelines and enforce rules, get the facts about drugs and alcohol, and identify resources and hotlines.