Elements of Quality in After-School Programs: A Review of the Research Literature
How children and youth spend their time outside of school is increasingly recognized as a critical factor contributing to school success. Out-of-school time poses opportunities for both positive and negative outcomes in the lives of children, families and communities. The value of intentional, well-organized and carefully implemented after-school programs is being touted by many stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels. Despite the increased desire for high quality after-school programs, there is currently no commonly agreed upon definition of “quality” and no standard set of research-based guidelines regarding elements of quality, indicators of quality, or how to accomplish them.
In the summer of 2008, a team of researchers at the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools (Drs. Susan M. Sheridan and Gina M. Kunz, Co-PIs; and Frances Chumney and Mariel Sparr, graduate students in the College of Education and Human Sciences) entered into an exciting partnership with the Nebraska Community Learning Center Network (N CLC N) to research after-school programs. Funding and support for this project was provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, and the Nebraska Community Learning Center Network. CYFS researchers brought their experience and expertise in researching evidence-based programs, and N CLC N partners shared their expertise related to Community Learning Centers implementation and programming.
The CYFS research team completed a comprehensive review of the research literature on after-school programs to identify critical quality indicators related to positive outcomes for children and youth. Empirically-based document(s) have been developed that shed light on the research findings, identify factors related to delivery (e.g., family involvement, continuities in educational programming, professional support, staff competencies), and discern evidence-based quality indicators in after-school services. Results from this highly anticipated study will assist organizations in developing high quality after-school programs, and inform decision-makers about key elements associated with quality and outcomes.
For additional information on this investigation, please contact:
Principal Investigator: Susan M. Sheridan, PhD
Co-Principal Investigator: Gina M. Kunz, PhD
Graduate Research Assistants : Frances Chumney, BS; Mariel Sparr, BS
