Common Elements of Quality AfterSchool Programs Copyrighted Preferred

Common Elements of Quality After-School Programs Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

What We Know About Afterschool Programs Quality after-school programs can provide safe, engaging environments that complement the school day by promoting learning to improve student outcomes. Both practitioners and researchers have found that effective programs combine academic, enrichment, cultural, and recreational activities to guide learning and engage children and youth in wholesome activities. Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Types of Activities Found in a Quality After-School Program Tutoring Computer Instruction Supplemental Instruction AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS Drug & Violence Prevention Service. Learning Character Education Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Types of Activities Found in a Quality After-School Program College Awareness and Preparation Art and Cultural Education Athletic Programs AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS Employment Preparation or Training Supervised Recreation Mentoring Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Goal setting and strong management Planning for long-term sustainability Quality afterschool staffing Attention to safety, health, and nutrition issues Effective partnerships Strong involvement of families Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Extended learning opportunities Linkages between school-day and after-school personnel Evaluation of program progress and effectiveness Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Goal setting and strong management Setting goals directed at addressing student outcomes Implementing quality programming focused on the goals Creating a solid organizational structure Adapting effective management strategies Meeting legal requirements Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Plan for longterm sustain -ability Accessing adequate and sustainable funding Building public will through advocacy Ensuring access and equity for all children Incorporating recognition for program and students Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Quality afterschool staffing Hiring, retaining, and compensating qualified staff, including a dedicated program administrator Providing ongoing professional development for staff Using volunteers effectively Ensuring low staff-to-student ratio (1: 10) Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Attentio Creating safe places with adequate space and materials n to safety, health, Meeting nutritional needs and nutritio n issues Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Effectiv e partnerships Building on the strengths of the community by collaborating among diverse partners Using community resources effectively Building consensus and partnerships among key stakeholders Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Strong involvement of families Involving families and youth in program planning Attending to the needs of working parents Providing opportunities for both children and families within school and in the community Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Extende d learning opportunities Provide engaging opportunities directed at learning and improving student outcomes Coordinating learning with the regular school day Offering wide variety of activities to meet diverse needs Linking school-day and afterschool curriculum Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Linkage s between schoolday and afterschool staff Providing planning time to maximize opportunities to improve student outcomes Coordinating and maximizing the use of school and other community facilities and resources Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Common Elements of Afterschool Programs Evaluatio n of program progress and effectiveness Using data for program improvement and accountability Designing effective evaluations to address program and student outcomes Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC

Conclusions about Common Elements of Afterschool Programs These characteristics of highquality afterschool programs help ensure children’s continued growth, development, and learning throughout the pre-adolescent and adolescent school years. Copyrighted Preferred Visions, LLC