230 likes | 375 Views
Getting Started in Iowa. 4-H Afterschool Rollout Conference Newton, Iowa October 22 – 23, 2003. Iowa In-Service Objectives. To increase your knowledge of the need for and benefits of afterschool programs
E N D
Getting Started in Iowa 4-H Afterschool Rollout Conference Newton, Iowa October 22 – 23, 2003
Iowa In-Service Objectives • To increase your knowledge of the need for and benefits of afterschool programs • To increase your knowledge of the role Cooperative Extension can play in the afterschool market • To increase your knowledge of the objectives of the National 4-H Afterschool Initiative • To increase your knowledge of the resources available from 4-H Afterschool to support the work of states and counties conducting afterschool programming.
Special Thanks to our Funders • J.C. Penney Foundation • John Deere Foundation • Iowa State 4-H and Youth Program
After-School Programs: What’s the Buzz? • Have “exploded into the nation’s consciousness.” • The hours between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. are the “prime time for crime or youth enrichment and achievement.” • Interest is “unprecedented.” • There is an “explosion” of programs. • Such programs are the “cornerstone” of the goal to reduce crime.
Rationale: Why After-School Programs? • Changing family situations • Time of risk or opportunity • Research support for benefits of participation
Key Findings 2002 Afterschool Alliance Poll Respondents: 800 Adults, 18 years or older, who are registered voters Location: Nationwide Date of Poll: August 13-21, 2002 Polling Firm: Lake Snell Perry & Associates and the Tarrance Group Source: Afterschool Alliance Web Page http://www.afterschoolalliance.org
90% believe there is a need for after-school programs. 93% agree that after-school programs are needed, even in states with budget deficits. 77% feel after-school programs are an absolute necessity for their community.
90% of parents who are not at home in afternoon when their children get home believe after-school programs are a necessity. 70% say after-school programs are important to them personally.
95% of parents with children in after-school programs say their children are safer and less likely to be involved with juvenile crime than children not in programs. 92% of these parents indicated that their children do better in reading, writing, and math as a result of their participation in after-school programs.
Some significant negative consequences: Youth are at greater risk of being victims of violent crime. Juvenile crime triples at 3 p.m. Greater risk of substance abuse and sexual activity Anti-social behavior School dropout
Low academic performance and poor grades Over exposure to television Truancy Accidents
Some significant benefits include: Improved academic performance Reduction in youth crime and risky behavior Reduction in sexual activity Reduction in drug use Increased school success and high school graduation Improved social skills Improved school attendance
Reduction in school dropout Increased homework completion and quality Improved self-confidence Improved interpersonal skills Increased life skills
Required Elements of Quality Child Care, School-Age Care, and Out-of-School Programs for Older Youth and Teens Experiences to PromotePhysical, Cognitive, Social, EmotionalDevelopment of Children/Youth andStrengthen Family Relationships Educational Experiences to Promote Learning Development Education Quality Child Care, School-Age Care, and Out-of-School Programs for Older Youth and Teens Care • Caregiving Experiences • that: • - Nurture • Guide • Protect • Meet Basic Needs Source: Cooperative Extension System Extension “Cares” for America’s Children and Youth Initiative March, 2001
Rationale: Extension Involvement in After-School Programs • Reach audiences not otherwise reached • Opportunity to take a leadership role in addressing community needs
Extension’s Niche • Remains close to local needs. • Creates customized programs. • Connects with land-grant university research base. • Employs high quality faculty and staff with expertise in youth development and a connection to a national network.
Objectives • Increase the quality and availability of after-school programs • Increase numbers of 4-H members and volunteers • Increase usage of 4-H curricula among youth in after-school programs • Increase skills and knowledge of after-school staff • Increase awareness of 4-H program • Increase the skills and knowledge of Extension professionals in after-school programming
For more information: http://www.4hafterschool.org http://www.reeusda.gov/extensioncares/ (click evaluation button) http://www.cyfernet.org/ http://www.nncc.org/ http://www.jcpenney.net/company/ afterschool/index.htm (click national partners) http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/
National 4-H Afterschool Initiative Objectives Increase the quality and availability of after-school programs Increase numbers of 4-H members and volunteers Increase usage of 4-H curricula among youth in after-school programs Increase skills and knowledge of after-school staff Increase awareness of 4-H programs Increase the skills and knowledge of Extension professionals in after-school programming