By: Elaine Spencer

Amanda Sprague

Carrie Smith

Rita Sears

KIDS HELPING KIDS

Providing a safe, caring, fun environment to help children succeed!

GOALS FOR KIDS HELPING KIDS

Mission: To provide a safe, caring, and fun environment that helps children succeed in school and in life.Philosophy: All kids, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, economic status, or religious belief are valued. Through “Kids Helping Kids,” we show love and acceptance of each other in a positive environment that allows each child to grow individually through the mentorship of our role models.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING GOALS

1 - To understand and manage emotions2 - Set and achieve positive goals3 - Feel and show empathy for others4 - Establish and maintain positive relationships5 - Make responsible decisions

STUDENT LEARNING GOALS

Cooperation with others to gain knowledge

Basic nutrition and health knowledge that can be brought into homes through our students

Homework help and resources that complement current curricula

A safe environment where kids can express their concerns and feel validated and heard

WHY IS THIS PROGRAM IMPORTANT?

“A powerful strategy for improving children’s wellbeing has been to provide services in the settings in which children spend the majority of their time” (Iizuka, Barrett, Gillies, Cook & Miller, 2014, p. 124).

“Owing to concerns about low levels of childhood PA and inadequate physical education opportunities, interest has grown in after-school programs as a means to provide PA opportunities for children” (Schuna, Lauersdorf, Behrens, Liguori & Liebert, 2013, p. 106).

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

What types of outcomes can afterschool programs foster in youth?Can we identify the program features that lead to better youth outcomes?

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS ARE EFFECTIVE

● According to a study by Durlak, Weissberg and Pachan about After School Programs (ASP):

“ASPs were associated with significantly increased participants’ positive feelings and attitudes about themselves and their school (child self- perceptions and school bonding), and their positive social behaviors. In addition, problem behaviors were significantly reduced. Finally, there was significant improvement in students’ performance on achievement tests and in their school grades” (2010, p 299).

FINDINGS

The 5 Ms of Professional Development Training as outlined by Weaver, et al., provide a framework for ensuring success in after school programs: Mission, Motivate, Manage, Monitor, and Maximize. Identifying a mission leads goals and development plans, motivating kids to learn and succeed, managing time and resources, monitoring student outcomes, and maximizing resources to achieve goals can help promote success. (Weaver, Beets, Webster, Beighle & Huberty, 2012).

BUDGET● Budget needed $17,500

○ $2500 for the director for the school year○ $1000 for each of the 5 teachers for the school

year○ $10,000 for supplies, food and advertising

● The paid teachers will work one of each week Monday-Friday during the school year in which they will come in one hour before school and stay two hours after school to help students and mentors. Ensuring low adult/child ratios and small group sizes

● There will be no benefits offered to the employees or volunteers.

● The budget will be funded by state and federal grants, corporate and sponsor donations and also various fundraisers run by the students and mentors.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

*Positive influence of after school program on children

*Flexibility in curriculum, based on student interest

*Become a partner in this proven benefit for children.

REFERENCES

Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P, & Pachan, M.(2010). A Meta-Analysis of after-school programs that seek to promote personal and social skills in children and adolescents, American Journal of Community Psychology. 45(1). 294-309

Iizuka, C. A., Barrett, P. M., Gillies, R., Cook, C. R., & Miller, D. (2014). The FRIENDS Emotional Health Program for Minority Groups at Risk. Journal Of School Health, 84(2), 124-132. doi:10.1111/josh.12127

Schuna Jr, J. M., Lauersdorf, R. L., Behrens, T. K., Liguori, G., & Liebert, M. L. (2013). An Objective Assessment of Children's Physical Activity During the Keep It Moving! After-School Program. Journal Of School Health, 83(2), 105-111. doi:10.1111/josh.12005

Weaver, R. G., Beets, M. W., Webster, C., Beighle, A., & Huberty, J. (2012). A Conceptual Model for Training After-School Program Staffers to Promote Physical Activity and Nutrition. Journal Of School Health, 82(4), 186-195. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2011.00685.x