Parents report more satisfaction with programs when children spend more time playing card games and board games, and less satisfaction when children engage in fantasy play. After-school care programs generally focus on recreation, with an emphasis on supervision. Nonprofit programs and programs located in elementary schools generally provide a better-quality physical and affective environment. While community center programs offer a lesser-quality physical environment and fewer activity choices than other programs, they offer a better affective environment. The study is continuing until the children are in fifth grade.
Observers also score the availability of physical space, materials, and equipment.
Observers measure children's satisfaction with care according to the children's general satisfaction and the support they receive from caregivers. Parents' overall satisfaction is measured according to a five-point scale.