Resource Library

The available space tool calculates the number of spaces available for hourly care for each program variation (Before School, After School, Summer Camp) on each day of the week.

Following health and safety best practices is an important way to provide quality early care and education for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Public Health Association (APHA), and the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education (NRC) have released the Fourth Edition of Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs. These national standards represent the best evidence, expertise, and experience in the country on quality health and safety practices and policies that should be followed in today's early care and education settings.

Module 7: Creativity and The Arts - Programs and activities connected to creativity and the arts are usually quite popular with youth. Combined with other interests of youth such as technology and science, programming in the arts is a great way for youth to build relationships, life skills and self-esteem.

Module 8: Personal, Character and Leadership Development - Every single day, in every encounter within the Youth Center, you have the opportunity to help promote personal, character and leadership development in youth. This guide will show you the importance of infusing character and leadership opportunities into conversation and program activities.

Module 9: Social and Cultural - During adolescence, peer pressure plays an important role in the development of social skills. Interaction with adults such as parents and Youth Center staff also influences how youth treat each other. This guide will show you how you can help guide youth to appreciate the similarities and differences of others and help youth develop positive social skills.

Module 10: Guidance and Human Relationships - Adult guidance is critical in developing positive relationships with youth and helping them develop self-discipline. This guide will show you the importance of effective guidance and its impact on young people.

Module 11: Families, Schools and Communities - To provide the best possible services to youth, Youth Center staff work alongside families, schools and other community organizations. This guide will show you the importance of developing good relationships with these groups and how to draw upon parents, schools and other community resources to strengthen Youth Center offerings.

Module 13: Professionalism - As a staff member of a Youth Center, you are expected to demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of your role as a Program Assistant. This guide will show you the importance of continuing to develop your skills and knowledge as a youth worker and highlight ways that you can demonstrate professionalism on the job and in your future planning.

Module 12: Program Management - For a youth program to have the intended impact on young people, the day-to-day program plans and issues need to be managed. This guide shows you the importance of being part of a team that manages the youth program.

Module 14: Programming, Part I - Every Youth Center strives to achieve a balanced and enriched program that will attract youth. This guide explains the program structure that is in place in every Youth Center, regardless of its size or location. It will help you develop programs that fit this framework and interest youth.