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Applications are now being taken for the Before & After School Grant Program. Learn More...
Communities across the state are working together with new energy
and inspiration to create a more positive future for Iowa's children and youth.
The focus is on constructive learning activities during non-school hours. With
caring adult guidance, school and community-based academic and youth development
programs result in greater achievement and social outcomes for children and
youth.
Before and after school programs have the potential to make a
significant contribution to the following “Results for Iowa Youth” in the
positive development of all the state’s children and youth:
- All Iowa children and youth are healthy and socially competent.
- All Iowa children and youth succeed in school
- All Iowa children and youth are prepared for productive adulthood.
- All youth have the benefit of safe and supportive families, schools, and
communities.
Quality before and after school programs can provide safe, engaging
environments that complement the school day by promoting learning to improve
student outcomes. While there is no one single formula for success in after
school programs, 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. They also
find that the best programs develop activities to meet the particular needs of
the communities they serve.
Types of Activities Found in Quality Before & After School Programs
- Tutoring and supplementing instruction in basic skills, such as reading,
math, and science
- Drug and violence prevention curricula and counseling
- Youth leadership and character building activities
- Volunteer and community service opportunities
- College awareness and preparation
- Homework assistance centers
- Courses and enrichment in arts and culture
- Computer instruction
- Language instruction, including English as a second language
- Employment preparation or training
- Mentoring and service-learning
- Activities linked to law enforcement
- Supervised recreation and athletic programs and events
Looking at
the spectrum of before and after school programs, researchers and practitioners have
identified some common elements necessary to developing high quality programs
that meet the needs of the diverse population of school-age children and
youth.
Common Elements of Quality Before & After School
Programs
In addition to the desired results that focus the work,
the Common Elements listed below represent nationally recognized standards on
which quality before and after school programs are based. While programs should be oriented
toward achievement of the four (4) result areas, the principles of quality
programs should support all program design.
- The
program is a combination of academic, enrichment, cultural, and
recreational activities that guide learning and engage children and
youth in wholesome activities
- Goal setting and strong management
- Planning for long-term sustainability
- Quality after school staffing
- Attention to safety, health, and nutrition issues
- Effective partnerships
- Strong involvement of families
- Extended learning opportunities
- Linkages between school-day and after school personnel
- Evaluation of program progress and effectiveness
Funding for Before & After School Programs in Iowa
In Iowa, before and after school programs are funded by state and federal money. These funds are provided to local organizations to support quality before and after school programs.
State Funded Programs
The 2008 Iowa Legislative Session appropriated 1 million dollars for a Before and After School competitive grant program. Eligible applicants are school districts, as well as other public and private organizations. The purpose of the program is to expand the availability of before and after school programs, including but not limited to summer programs. Click here to view application materials for the grant program.
Applications due to the Iowa Department of Education on October 10,
2008 by 4:30 p.m. Awards will be announced late November.
Since the 2006 Iowa Legislative Session, the state has appropriated funding to expand the
availability of before and after school programs in Iowa. Programs are awarded funds through a competitive grant process.
2007-08 State Program Awards
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids, IA
- Clinton Community School District, Clinton, IA
- Oakridge Neighborhood Services, Des Moines, IA
- St. Mark Community Center, Dubuque, IA
- Jesup Community School District, Jesup, IA
- Lamoni SAFE Coalition, Lamoni, IA
- Clear Creek Amana Community School District, Oxford, IA
- Postville Community School District, Postville, IA
- Storm Lake Community School District, Storm Lake, IA
2006-07 State Program Awards
- Youth and Shelter Services, Ames, IA
- Clinton Community School District, Clinton, IA
- New Horizons/Learning Supports, Des Moines, IA
Federal Funded Programs
21st Century Community Learning Centers
With the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the administration of the distribution of funding for the 21st Century Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program has been devolved to the states. The program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.
Click here for more information about Iowa's 21st CCLC programs and a list of awarded programs.
Contact
Joe Herrity
515-242-3290
joe.herrity@iowa.gov
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