Adopted March 2002 – Reviewed and deemed relevant November 2017 – Family Engagement Commission
California State PTA believes that high quality before- and after-school programs for all children and youth can provide engaging and enriching environments that improve academic achievement. Statistics show that such programs improve a number of student outcomes, including increased graduation rates and reduce the likelihood of arrest and incarceration.
California State PTA recognizes that a range of before- and after-school programs is needed to serve children and youth from pre-school through high school. Each program needs to be based on the particular needs of the young people in the community.
California State PTA believes the elements of a quality before- and after-school program include:
Program Design – With the development of academically focused programs that center on:
- An array of enrichment, cultural and recreational activities
- Activities that are developmentally and culturally appropriate for the children they serve
- Career development and life skills training for middle and high school students
- Opportunities for children and youth to develop positive relationships with peers and adults
- Health and wellness through nutritional snacks, exercise programs and prevention information
- Adequate funding to make programs and resources affordable and accessible
Facilities and Environment – With programs that:
- Preferably, are school-based with efforts to coordinate facilities and equipment between school and program sites
- Comply with relevant health and safety regulations
- Have safe indoor and outdoor space sufficient for a diversity of activities
- Rely on age appropriate equipment and materials for enhancing learning for participants
- Provide reasonable accommodations to make the program accessible to students with disabilities which may include providing a private location or specialized medical training for the handling of a student’s personal needs
Partnerships – With key stakeholders, including parents, schools and community organizations, involved in:
- Collaboration that is responsible for planning, outreach and evaluation
- Coordination between the school site staff and program staff to enhance the academic components of the program by linking the school day and after-school curriculum
- Engagement by families in planning to ensure sustained youth participation and assure that the needs of each participant are met
- Participation by parent and community volunteers as an integral part of the program
- Active engagement of children and youth in community programs and in community service
Staffing – With programs to include staff members who are:
- Able to create positive relationships and mentoring opportunities between staff and participants by having adequate staff to participant ratios
- Qualified with appropriate qualifications including the ability to provide tutoring and homework assistance in accordance with the educational component of the program
- Involved in staff development that is provided on an ongoing basis and is appropriate to program responsibilities
- Adequately compensated
- Evaluated on their job performance on a regular basis
Program Management – With the management and administration of programs that:
- Implement clear short- and long-term goals developed by the collaboration of key stakeholders
- Develop and implement relevant policies and procedures
- Maintain fiscal oversight and sustainability
- Are evaluated for effectiveness through continuous, multiple measures and result in necessary program modifications
