How will you Benefit from Working in an Afterschool Program?

If you're interested in making a career of working with young people, there is no substitute for hands-on experience. Working directly with the children, families and administrators at your afterschool program will provide you with the skills and framework you need to provide top-notch care. We've prepared a list of the skills and benefits you will gain by working in an afterschool program:

Effective Teaching Strategies
Sometimes the early childhood theories you learn in books play out very differently in classroom practice. Watch and learn from experienced care providers about using effective teaching practices to improve young people's learning and social behaviors.

Group Management
Understanding and managing the dynamics of both large and small groups is an important part of working successfully with young people. Assist in developing and running activities that are appropriate to the age, size and mood of your group.

Strong and healthy emotional development
Use your role as provider and role model to help kids improve their self-esteem and personal confidence. Teach them to respond to peer-pressure and express their feelings in positive ways. Seasoned professionals agree: this is one of the most rewarding aspects of working with kids.

Behavior-guidance and conflict-resolution techniquesSometimes, kids need extra help learning to cope with complicated feelings and resolve their conflicts fairly and evenly. Learn effective behavior guidance techniques and how to use conflict-resolution skills to solve problems effectively.

Creating equitable learning environments
Working in afterschool programs may expose you to a diversity of ethnic, cultural and family lifestyles. Develop an awareness and sensitivity to these differences, and assist in implementing activities that teach children acceptance and understanding of others.

Communication skills
Working in programs isn't just about working with children. As part of your job, you will be required to communicate issues (both positive and negative) to the families of young people, and to interact productively with your fellow staff. Gain the communication and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in this challenging field.

Program and activity development
Studies routinely show that afterschool programs help children to improve both personal and academic skills. Learn to plan, facilitate and evaluate programs and activities to help kids get the most out of their afterschool experience.

Program Planning and Administration
Successful afterschool programs require planning and support. Work with administrators and directors to improve your understanding of program design and implementation, assessment and evaluation, management and organization.

Adapted from A Guide for College Students: College Students Working in After-School and School-Age Care Programs. California Department of Education. Sacramento, 2001.