Rhode Island Core Knowledge and Core Competencies for Afterschool and Youth Development Professionals

In order to fulfill the commitment to promoting positive youth development for Rhode Island’s children and youth, professionals in afterschool and youth development settings must have a clearly defined set of skills and knowledge. Core Competencies refer to the observable skills and dispositions needed by professionals in order to provide high-quality afterschool experiences for children and youth. Competencies are concrete, observable, and achievable; and establish standards of practice that strengthen the profession.

A set of core competencies were originally created in 2003 by a DHS convened committee focusing on professionals serving children from birth to adolescence. CHILDSPAN, RI’s Child Development and Education Training System, received grant funding in 2007 from the RI Department of Human Services to revise the 2003 document.

During the revisions process, a decision was made to separate the original document into three separate documents, one of which was geared specifically for the afterschool and youth development (ASYD) field. A working group convened in 2008 to create these ASYD competencies. The working group was made up of representatives from RIASPA, PASA, CHILDSPAN, and Kids Klub, as well as some afterschool education consultants. The Rhode Island Core Knowledge and Core Competencies for Afterschool and Youth Development Professionals are now complete and ready for use across Rhode Island!

The ASYD Core Competencies reflect new state developments and initiatives (e.g., RIPQA and BrightStars) as well as national trends in afterschool and youth development. They can be used to establish individualized professional development plans; assist administrators/directors in the creation of job descriptions; serve as a foundation when designing curriculum or professional development, etc. In addition to helping the field, the Core Competencies may also be used to outreach to other constituencies, including trainers, higher education, families, funders, and state agencies.