CARING FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN, 6th Edition, presents the most pertinent information needed by those involved in after-school programs. Current research has established the importance of quality after-school programs due to their tremendous impact on children's academic achievement, overall happiness, and self-esteem. To address this reality, the new edition presents the latest research and information on school-age child care, and offers numerous practical applications and activities that can be put to use immediately in a child care setting. Benefits: NEW NEW Chapter 1 expands the use of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, showing how to use it in real-life situations. The text presents both theory and practice related to creating high-quality programs for children. The book can be used as the basis for a college course or a series of in-service training sessions. To make the material relevant to readers, each chapter has profiles of real people who are involved in child-care, including case studies of children. Information regarding the importance of literacy skills and how to develop them is presented. Chapters are organized in a logical progression, beginning with discussions of the individuals involved in childcare settings--including caregivers, children, and their families. Several chapters outline developmental levels of children during middle childhood, a crucial time for development. Guidelines for program planning and creating an environment lead to the curriculum area, which contains theoretical information and activities. The final chapters address outside influences on childcare programs, including community resources and agencies that serve to improve quality and standards for the programs. NEW NEW Chapter 1 expands the use of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, showing how to use it in real-life situations. NEW NEW Chapter 2 adds cyber-bullying to the discussion of bullying, a growing concern among school-age ch