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Programs for older school-agers and young adolescents in the state of Ohio should be created with a clear understanding of quality programming. Quality is a concept heard over and over again in youth development as well as in education. The nature of quality is an evolving concept implying that learning and change are continuous. |
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This information is based on the best practices in youth development as identified through work by such agencies as the National Search Institute, National School Age Care Alliance Standards for Quality School-Age Care, and the school-age program licensing requirements of the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services and the Ohio Department of Education.
Youth programs are supported by many different organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs, 4-H, YMCA, YWCA, Camp Fire Inc., scouting, local community centers, parks and recreations departments, religious organizations, middle schools, and child care centers – both for-profit and not-for-profit entities.
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Each youth program is unique and may have an independent philosophy. Common components of all youth programs include providing a variety of age appropriate activities and experiences that nurture the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each young person.
Juveniles make up 12 percent of all crime victims reported to the police, including 71 percent of all sex crimes and 38 percent of all kidnapping victims. One out of every 18 victims of violent crime, and one of every 3 victims of sexual assault, is under age 12 . (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention [U.S.D.O.J., O.J.J.P.], 2000)
Firearms killed 3,365 children and teens age 19 and under in 1999- 9 children every day. Of these 1,990 were murdered, 1,078 committed suicide, and 214 were victims of accidental shootings (Children’s Defense Fund [CDF], 2001)
In 1999, students were more than twice as likely to be victims of serious violent crime while away from school than while at school (U.S.D.O.J., O.J.J.P., 2000)
998,456 young adolescents between the ages of 9-15 (CDF, 2000)
4,560 children and teens in a youth or adult correctional facility (CDF, 2000)
81 children and teens killed by a firearm annually (CDF,2000)
The purpose of quality adolescent programming is to meet the needs of youth, families, schools, and their community to ensure that all young people have opportunities for a safe environment, a nurturing environment, developmentally appropriate activities.
An adolescent program is responsive to the changing needs of young people by providing a wide variety of experiences including meaningful roles, skill development, positive interaction with peers and adults, leadership opportunities, physical activity, and creative expression.
Each young person is accepted as a unique individual with specific growth patterns, personality, temperament, learning style, experiences, family background.
A quality program is developed using intentional planning and is designed to support the home and the school by offering choices that enhance all aspects of an adolescent’s development. Programs that will engage youth participation include activities that are responsive to youth interests. | |
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