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Before & After School Programs Print E-mail

Many communities across the State of Iowa are working together with new energy and inspiration to create a more positive future for their children and youth. Their 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:
  1. All Iowa children and youth are healthy and socially competent.
  2. All Iowa children and youth succeed in school
  3. All Iowa children and youth are prepared for productive adulthood.
  4. All youth have the benefit of safe and supportive families, schools, and communities.
Quality 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 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 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 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 after school programs are based. While programs should be oriented toward achievement of the four (4) result areas, the principles of quality programs should undergird 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

2006-07 State Program Awards

This state-funded competitive grant program is designed to expand the availability of before and after school programs in Iowa (2006 Iowa Legislative Session, HF 2743, Section 5).

Youth and Shelter Services, Ames, IA
Clinton Community School District, Clinton, IA
New Horizons/Learning Supports, Des Moines, IA

21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Awards (Title IVB)

 

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 October 2007 )