DC TRUST Guide 1023 - Children & Youth Investment Trust ...

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i n t r o d u c t i o n Best Practices and Indicators for Out-of-School Time Programs How do you define quality in an out-of-school time program, and how is it evidenced in practice? High-quality programs for children and youth are intentionally designed using best practices measured against practical, identifiable indicators. The DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation (the Trust) believes that program improvement is an ongoing process that includes: observing programs’ progress toward youth development goals, identifying strengths and challenges and setting objectives and developing strategies to meet them. The Trust developed this field guide as a resource that presents examples of the best in youth programming, including programming in an especially urban environment. It incorporates the learning of organizations and intermediaries across the country, the experience of Trust staff, and the front line insights of dedicated providers in the District of Columbia. It provides almost 100 best practices and more than 600 indicators that illustrate what each practice looks like in day-to-day operations. The field guide can be used by any program, regardless of size, area of focus or years in existence. The best practices are presented in four broad categories of program quality – relationships, program content, community connection and organizational infrastructure. Whether used for independent self-assessment or as part of the Trust’s more formal assessment process, this field guide provides a wealth of ideas, information, and inspiration for program design or improvement. 1. Youth Development Philosophy and Low Student-to-Staff Ratio The program provides positive interaction between youth and trained, caring adults through a youth development philosophy and low student-to-staff ratio. 2. High-interest, Hands-on Activities Youth are engaged in high-interest, hands-on activities that offer a balance of ageappropriate programming that includes academic support, enrichment, recreation, arts, job skills, college prep, etc. 3. Connections to Families and Community The program has strong connections to local community with opportunities for engaging parents and contributing to the community. 4. Organizational Infrastructure The program is offered in a safe, structured, nurturing environment by a sustainable, well-run organization. Field Guide to OST Best Practices / Introduction: Best Practices and Indicators for Out-of-School Time Programs
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S INTRODUCTION 1 Youth Development Philosophy and Low Student-to-Staff Ratio HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS • 4 STAFF SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT • 7 2 High-interest, Hands-on Activities PROGRAM DESIGN AND PLANNING • 10 PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS • 12 COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT • 13 ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT • 18 SPORTS AND RECREATION DEVELOPMENT • 20 WORKFORCE AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT • 22 READINESS FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION • 25 ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT • 27 3 Connections to Families and Community CIVIC DEVELOPMENT • 32 COMMUNITY CONNECTION • 34 4 Organizational Infrastructure PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION • 37 SAFETY, HEALTH AND NUTRITION • 40 INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT • 45 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS & STAFF 47 DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation 1400 16th Street, NW Washington DC 20036 www.cyitc.org
Page 1: a f i e l d g u i d e t o Best Prac
Page 5 and 6: 1 HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS The main reas
Page 7 and 8: e. Staff models the acknowledgment
Page 9 and 10: d. Program offers staff access to r
Page 11 and 12: 2 PROGRAM DESIGN AND PLANNING Inten
Page 13 and 14: Field Guide to OST Best Practices /
Page 15 and 16: help integrate them through the pra
Page 17 and 18: . Program interconnects separate ma
Page 19 and 20: c. Program engages young people in
Page 21 and 22: . Programming incorporates technolo
Page 23 and 24: c. Program provides opportunities f
Page 25 and 26: 5. Program connects work and learni
Page 27 and 28: c. Program fosters awareness in you
Page 29 and 30: . Program gives young people the op
Page 31 and 32: e. Program teaches how to evaluate
Page 33 and 34: 3 CIVIC DEVELOPMENT In our work wit
Page 35 and 36: ◆ COMMUNITY CONNECTION It takes a
Page 37 and 38: 4 The program is offered in a safe,
Page 39 and 40: k. For continuity of service, progr
Page 41 and 42: f. Program actively partners with o
Page 43 and 44: c. Vehicles used for program transp
Page 45 and 46: e. Program provides snacks and meal
Page 47 and 48: f. In shared space, program clearly

DC TRUST Guide 1023 - Children & Youth Investment Trust ...

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