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## Other Youth Topics

## Breadcrumb

            -  Youth Topics 
            -  Afterschool Programs 
            -           Starting, Operating, and Sustaining an Afterschool Program      

# Starting, Operating, and Sustaining an Afterschool Program

Starting an afterschool program can be a difficult task, particularly in areas where funding and support are scarce. It needs a combination of research and planning; developing program vision mission, design, and continuous improvement systems; workforce development; licensing; policies; and protocols; and risk management. It also highlights the importance of the role that community intermediaries play in supporting cross-sector partnerships among various stakeholders through a systems approach.

A few considerations to build high-quality afterschool programs include:

**Research and Planning:** Initiating a task force that represents various local stakeholder groups and individuals committed to the cause of starting an afterschool program can support the initial research and planning process. This includes conducting a needs assessment through surveys, interviews, and focus groups to determine types of afterschool programs needed in the community, leveraging existing resources, and identifying systems and supports that need to be established.

**Funding and Budgeting:**Most programs will likely need some start-up funding to get off the ground. Communities need to learn about federal, state, or local funds as well as look for private and in-kind donations to support afterschool programs. Programs will also need to budget for both start-up and daily operating costs keeping in mind the ability to pay for these programs.

**State Regulations:** States have minimum licensing requirements that apply to programs serving children, including afterschool programs. These requirements typically vary for types of providers, and often include separate requirements for school-age care settings. Programs should contact their state's licensing agency to find out about the requirements. Private and public funding may also have separate requirements.

**Partnerships:**Developing a collaborative cross-sector partnership that includes schools, juvenile systems, social service and other such allied youth fields1 is important to leverage the multiple settings where learning happens. School-OST partnership is even more essential to recruit students, improve staff engagement, enable alignment of a shared vision of learning, and maximize resource usage like facilities, staff, data, curriculum, etc.2

**Vision and Mission:**Programs need to develop a collaborative vision and mission that is inclusive of families, youth, schools, community partners, etc., for what success looks and feels like for young people. It is also essential to consider that the learning setting is developmentally appropriate, safe and supportive, built on positive relationships, and meets the needs and interests of young people.3

**Organizational Structures, Policies and Protocols:**Programs should also consider if they want to organize as a government, non-profit, for-profit, school-based organization, or partner with existing national or local organizations. It is essential to develop policies and protocols for enrollment, staffing, transportation, family engagement, behavior management, food, health and safety, and reporting of child abuse.

**High-Quality Programming and Continuous Quality Improvement Systems:**There is a growing body of information on curricula and activities for afterschool programs and providers. However, it is important that programs implement evidence-based practices, or core components in order to evaluate whether they have attained their intended outcomes. Building a quality continuous improvement system that is nested in a low-stakes accountability approach that provides supports to staff to build their capacity.4 Some researchers also reason that developmental relationships between young people and adults may be more important than any particular curriculum or program element in successful afterschool programs.5

For more information about starting a program, contact your state Lead Agency for Child Care. Other national and local foundations and intermediaries have also provided roadmaps for building afterschool systems by bringing together community resources to improve youth outcomes.6

## Resources

**Evidence & Innovation**The Evidence & Innovation website from youth.gov provides comprehensive information and resources on implementing evidence-based programs, including assessing where you are at the moment, how to select programs, implementing and adapting programs, monitoring and evaluating programs, and innovating programs.

**Afterschool Toolbox**This toolkit from Afterschool Alliance provides resources and guidance on how to plan and implement an afterschool program. These resources are for new programs and working to grow an already existing program.

## References

1 Yohalem, Pittman, & Edwards, 20102 Little, 2011 & 20133 National Commission for Social, Emotional, & Academic Development, 20184 Smith et al., 20125 Li & Julian, 20126 Forum for Youth Investment, 2012

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                          - Resource: Summer and Afterschool Needs Assessment
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                          - Resource: Using Federal Funds for Summer Learning and Afterschool: A Guide for Providers, School Districts, and Intermediaries
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### Youth Topics 

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                          - Benefits for Youth, Families, and Communities
                          - Funding for Afterschool Programs
                          - Health & Nutrition
                          - Starting, Operating, and Sustaining an Afterschool Program

## Youth Briefs

How Individualized Education Program (IEP) Transition Planning Makes a Difference for Youth with Disabilities
Youth who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) and especially young adults of transition age, should be involved in planning for life after high school as early as possible and no later than age 16. Transition services should stem from the individual youth’s needs and strengths, ensuring that planning takes into account his or her interests, preferences, and desires for the future.

Youth Transitioning to Adulthood: How Holding Early Leadership Positions Can Make a Difference
Research links early leadership with increased self-efficacy and suggests that leadership can help youth to develop decision making and interpersonal skills that support successes in the workforce and adulthood. In addition, young leaders tend to be more involved in their communities, and have lower dropout rates than their peers. Youth leaders also show considerable benefits for their communities, providing valuable insight into the needs and interests of young people

How Trained Service Professionals and Self-Advocacy Makes a Difference for Youth with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, or Co-occurring Issues
Statistics reflecting the number of youth suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders highlight the necessity for schools, families, support staff, and communities to work together to develop targeted, coordinated, and comprehensive transition plans for young people with a history of mental health needs and/or substance abuse.

Young Adults Formerly in Foster Care: Challenges and Solutions
Nearly 30,000 youth aged out of foster care in Fiscal Year 2009, which represents nine percent of the young people involved in the foster care system that year. This transition can be challenging for youth, especially youth who have grown up in the child welfare system.

Coordinating Systems to Support Transition Age Youth with Mental Health Needs
Research has demonstrated that as many as one in five children/youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Read about how coordination between public service agencies can improve treatment for these youth.

Civic Engagement Strategies for Transition Age Youth
Civic engagement has the potential to empower young adults, increase their self-determination, and give them the skills and self-confidence they need to enter the workforce. Read about one youth’s experience in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).

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