What Youth Workers Need to Know to Serve Kids Effectively

Marta Fetterman IYD, CYCPIndiana YouthPRO Association

Statistics about Youth

• Child population under 18: about 24%

• 23 % of US youth lived in poverty

• 32% of US youth under 18 have parents who lack

secure employment

• 68% of US 4th graders are not proficient at reading

• 35% of US children live in a single parent household*From the Annie E Casey Foundation

History of NAA Core Knowledge and Competencies

• Recognize that many states have been working independently developing and using CKC frameworks…….lots of agreement within these documents

• An effort to bring together disparate work, identify consensus and CKC and generate a unifying force for the PD of a diverse field

History of NAA Core Knowledge and Competencies

• Create a framework that– Applies to professional working in a variety of settings and

positions– Applies to professionals working with a range of ages from

5-18– Is based on current research– Reflects the field

Crosswalk of 17+ existing frameworks

Core Knowledge & Competencies

Describe the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed by professionals to provide high quality youth development programming and support the learning and development of

Children and youth…………….

Core Knowledge and Competencies for Afterschool and Youth Development Professionals, National Afterschool Association 2011

CKC is important because….

• Define what professionals need to know and be able to do in order to provide quality programming

• Serve as a foundation for decisions and practices in all settings and programs

• Establish a ser of standards that support professionals of the child and youth development field

CKC is important because……….

Can be a unifying tool that brings the sub fields of school age care, afterschool, youth development, summer learning…..together

Something that the field has struggled to do!

CKC is important because…….

By articulating what effective afterschool and youth development practice looks like, core knowledge and competencies can help those within and outside of the field understand the unique role of afterchool and youth development professionals, and at the same time, the shared contribution that these professionals make to the lives of children and youth

Starr et al., 2009

Uses of CKC• Support formal and informal pathways of training and education• Develop personal professional development plans• Evaluate staff and suggest appropriate professional development• HR- such as job descriptions, interviewing, salary range and self

evaluation• Goal Setting• Tracking and documenting training• Understanding expectations of individuals and programs• Organized framework for credentials, certifications and degree programs• Facilitate transfer and articulation agreements

Audiences

• Families• School Personnel• Federal, State and Local Agencies• PD Systems and Efforts• Funders

10 Content Areas

Each area has a competency statement followed by:

Rationale Supporting Evidence Competencies

Five Levels

• Level 1- Entry• Level 2- Developing• Level 3-Proficient• Level 4-Advanced• Level 5- Mastery

1-Child/Youth Growth and Development

Knows the typical benchmarks of growth and development and uses this knowledge to provide a program that meets the multiple needs of children and youth

2-Leaning Environments and Curriculum

Creates High Quality learning environments and implements age appropriate curricula and program activities

3-Child/Youth Observation and Assessment

Understands and applies observation and assessment techniques and tools to meet individual needs

4- Interactions with Children and Youth

Recognizes the importance of relationships and communications in the practice of quality child and youth care, and implements guidance techniques and strategies to support children and youth individually and in group experiences to develop self regulation, coping mechanisms, and positive interactions with peers and adults.

5- Youth Engagement

Acts in partnership with children and youth to foster appropriate child and youth leadership and voice

6- Cultural Competency and Responsiveness

Actively promotes respect for cultural diversity and creates and inclusive, welcoming and respectful environment that embraces diversity

7- Families, School, and Community Relationships

Builds respectful, reciprocal relationships across settings to promote optimal development for children, youth and families and to enhance the quality of afterschool and youth development services

8-Safety and Wellness

Ensures the safety and wellness of children and youth by implementing prevention, preparedness, and health & safety practices

9-Program Planning and Development

Supports staff and serves as a role model around professional development plans by building healthy relationships with colleagues and families, providing developmentally appropriate practices, and connecting with and utilizing resources

10-Professional Development & Leadership

Acts ethically, and is committed to continuous learning, and advocates for best practices and policies for children and youth

CKC within Performance Evaluations & Job Descriptions

• Categorize expectations• Set benchmarks• Define goals• Differentiate “levels” for various positions• Consistency and Clarity

Group Activity

• Divide into groups• Review document provided or develop your

own tool• Edit using CKC information• Share out great ideas

Q & A

• Anyone using CKC’s currently in their organizations, particularly within in job descriptions or performance evals?

• How is it working?

Resources

• www.naaweb.org• www.indianayouthpro.org• www.niost.oeg• http://www.afterschoolprofessional.info/imag

es/Mott_CC_web.pdf• http://kaeyc.net/uploads/KS-MO_Core_Comp

etencies.pdf• http://www.pakeys.org/docs/cbk.pdf

Contact Information

Marta FettermanExecutive Director

Indiana YouthPRO Association

www.indianayouthpro.org(317) 259-9491

info@indianayouthpro.org