While robust two-way communication between after-school providers and parents is vital, the notion that regulatory checklists and heightened administrative oversight will resolve California’s most pressing after-school challenges is both short sighted and unrealistic. What the sector needs is a sustained commitment to measuring whether families’ needs for high quality programs are being met, and to uprooting barriers to equitable participation. Local data show that simply providing seats rarely guarantees access, satisfaction, or real opportunity for all children and families. Despite California’s strong investments, Lynwood’s ecosystem demonstrates “supply” does not guarantee “access” to the programs that families want the most. Bolstering communication : Families need proactive, clear information about the full menu of program options to make informed, empowered choices.