This brief synthesizes and extends key findings from the Improving Programs, Policies, and Services to Promote Healthy Development in Middle Childhood in Afterschool Settings Project (MCASP) (see sidebar). Findings draw from a literature review, case studies of five afterschool programs, and input from experts in the field. The brief highlights policy opportunities to address five key areas of need identified by the project: 1) support for working families; 2) strengthen the quality of child care settings for school-age students; 3) scale supports for social-emotional and behavioral health; 4) address tremendous unmet need; and 5) pursue sustainable cross-sector strategies to finance school-age child care. (author abstract)