A Guide for Corporation for National and Community Service Programs Engaged in After-School, Summer, and Weekend Activities for Young People

The purpose of this manual is to help Corporation programs become more effectively involved in enhancing the quality of out-of-school time programs for young people ages five to fourteen. It offeres ideas and suggestions, resource lists, tip sheets, and examples of successful programs. Many of the materials in this manual are designed to be easily used to conduct training for members and volunteers.

This manual is intended for Corporation for National Service directors, program managers, trainers, team leaders, and other staff as well as members and volunteers who wish to enhance the quality of young people's out-of-school time. It is also designed for use by non-Corporation out-of-school time program providers who are working with Corporation programs.

Downloading Making an Impact on Out-of-School Time

To read and print PDFs, download the latest version of Adobe Reader for free.

Contents

Preface/Table of Contents/Section 1: Exploring the Facts about Children's Out-of-School Time (PDF)

• What is an "out-of-school-time program?"
• Why are out-of-school time programs important?
• How can out-of-school time programs benefit young people?
• What types of out-of-school time programs currently exist? How are they funded?
• How are Corporation for National Service programs helping to meet the out-of-school-time needs of young people?

Section 2: Understanding Basic Standards for a Quality Out-of-School-Time Program (PDF)

• What are the aspects of a quality program?
• How can the quality of a program be assessed?
• How can members and volunteers impact program quality?

Section 3: Training Members and Volunteers to Work in Out-of-School-Time Programs (PDF)

• Why is training important?
• What training do members and volunteers need if they are going to work in an OST program?
• How can members and volunteers get the training they need?
• Ideas for effective ongoing training
• Basic tips for planning and conducting effective training sessions

Section 4: Understanding Service-Learning (PDF)

• What is the definition of service-learning?
• What are the benefits of service-learning?
• Understanding and applying important elements of service-learning

Section 5: Tip Sheets: Simple Ideas to Address Important Out-of-School Topics (PDF)

• Starting an Out-of-School-Time Program
• Activities and Curriculum Planning
• Creating Effective Environments
• Promoting Reading and LIteracy
• Homework Help
• Out-of-School-Time Youth Development Programs for Youth Ages 10–14
• Integrating Service-Learning
• Legal Issues: Licensing and Liability
• Understanding Accreditation

Section 6: Training Materials on Important Out-of-School-Time Issues (PDF)

• Creating a Quality Program
• Behavior Guidance: Helping Young People Choose Positive Behavior
• Homework Help and Academic Skill Building
• Building Partnerships with Young People, Families, Schools, and Communities
• Service-Learning in Out-of-School Time Programs

Section 7: Program Profiles (PDF)

• A sampling of Corporation for National and Community Service Programs Involved in Out-of-School Activities for Children and Youth

Section 8: Connecting to Additional Out-of-School-Time and School-Age Child Care Resources (PDF)