BY REQUEST...
 JANUARY 1999

Implementing a quality after-school program is no small undertaking. Along with the many rewards come many potential pitfalls. Being aware of what these pitfalls are can save time and money.

• Planning: Make an effort to involve all stakeholders who will be impacted by the program, including businesses, community organizations, parents, teachers, and students. Leaving out any of these important groups may prevent the program from being well-rounded and supported by all stakeholders.
• Pacing: Don't try to do too much too soon, and build on successes. It's better to have to scale-up than to scale-back (e.g., start the program in only one site and go from there).
• Buy-in: Make sure you have teacher buy-in. Work with teachers to develop a comfortable plan for using school space, and make sure that there are avenues for communication between teachers and the staff of the after-school program (e.g., monthly meetings, newsletters, and appointed program liaisons who facilitate regular communication with school staff).
• Transportation: Be sensitive to transportation issues. Work with the school and parents to come up with safe transportation options.
• Scope: Stay away from doing the same things that happen during school hours. Make it different-something for students to look forward to.
• Diplomacy: Avoid turf wars. Work with existing community groups, and try to make the school more accessible. Avoid duplicating existing services.
• Funding: Seek stable funding that will sustain the program over the long term.

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This document's URL is: © 2001 Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory Date of Last Update: 09/19/2001 Email Webmaster Tel. 503.275.9500