A growing body of evidence shows that regular participation in high-quality after-school programs is associated with positive developmental outcomes for children and youth. We also know that quality matters if programs are to achieve those outcomes.
Research tells us that only high quality programs deliver significant benefits to the kids and teens who attend. So what makes an after-school program a high-quality program? And what steps can be taken to strengthen the quality of all after-school programs?
The Center for After-School Excellence is engaged in research initiatives to address those questions and communicate the answers to the frontline staff who work every day with kids. The Center's research department evaluates the effectiveness of after-school programs, including programs receiving direct support from TASC. It also explores questions of interest to the field, including the methods high quality programs employ to hire, supervise and train frontline staff.
The distinguishing feature of the Center's research is its ambition to improve the experiences of kids in after-school by bridging the gap between research and practice.
For more information about the Center's research and evaluation services, please contact Director of Research Ajay Khashu at akhashu@afterschoolexcellence.org.
