Since the entire community feels the impact of youth self-care, establishing an advisory council that includes local leaders is useful. Community members can also serve as tutors, mentors, and speakers for special programs. Each program usually has at least one director and several counselors. Staff can consist of credentialed teachers, school aides, college students, and community members. Some funders require staff to be certified by a state agency and to have completed special courses in child development, school-age care, or recreation.
Bilingual staff can be helpful.
Appreciation of children's individual needs, differences, and diversity. Experience working with children the age of the participants. Punctuality, reliability, patience, and flexibility. A positive and optimistic outlook. Most programs provide initial staff training that covers the developmental needs of children at different ages, cultural sensitivity, creation and oversight of activities, and effective communication with parents.