Putting It All Together: Guiding Principles for Quality After-School Programs Serving Preteens

This report examines the literature and outlines a set of guiding principles for after-school programs serving preteens. It identifies six elements that are present in programs that are more likely to see positive outcomes in the emotional and behavioral health of their participants. These principles include: (1) focused and intentional strategy, (2) exposure (duration, intensity, and breadth), (3) supportive relationships, (4) family engagement, (5) cultural competence, and (6) continuous program improvement.