The Secret to Successful Afterschool Programs: Capacity, Quality, and Implementation
Afterschool programs play a crucial role in youth development by providing safe and engaging environments for children. However, not all programs are created equal. A recent study titled The “Haves, Have Some, and Have Nots:” a Latent Profile Analysis of Capacity, Quality, and Implementation in Community-Based Afterschool Programs sheds light on why some programs succeed while others struggle.
Understanding the Profiles: Haves, Have Somes, and Have Nots
The study categorizes afterschool programs into three profiles based on their capacity and quality:
- Haves: Programs with high capacity and quality that excel in implementing evidence-based practices.
- Have Somes: Programs with adequate capacity but lower quality and implementation.
- Have Nots: Programs with low capacity but surprisingly moderate quality and implementation.
The Role of Capacity and Quality
Capacity refers to the tangible resources available to a program, such as space, materials, and staff. Quality involves the program’s ability to foster supportive relationships and engaging activities. The study found that while capacity is important, quality plays a more significant role in successful implementation of evidence-based practices like the Pax Good Behavior Game (PaxGBG).
Implementation in Diverse Contexts
The research highlights that neighborhood context also affects program success. For example:
- Diverse communities: Programs in racially diverse neighborhoods tend to implement practices more effectively.
- High-risk areas: Surprisingly, programs in higher-risk neighborhoods showed better implementation when they focused on quality over capacity.
Practical Steps for Practitioners
If you are a practitioner looking to improve your afterschool program's success, consider these steps:
- Focus on Quality: Prioritize creating supportive adult-child relationships and engaging activities over merely increasing resources.
- Leverage Community Assets: Utilize the social capital within your community to enhance program implementation.
- Adopt Evidence-Based Practices: Implement structured interventions like PaxGBG to improve behavioral outcomes.
The Path Forward
This research underscores the importance of balancing capacity with intentional quality improvements. By focusing on these elements, practitioners can create enriching environments that foster positive youth development even in resource-limited settings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The “Haves, Have Some, and Have Nots:” a Latent Profile Analysis of Capacity, Quality, and Implementation in Community-Based Afterschool Programs.
