The Core Competencies for Youth Development Professionals were developed with leadership from the OPEN Initiative, Missouri Afterschool Network (MASN), and Kansas Enrichment Network (KEN). An Overview of Their Development, Content, and Application Core Competencies for Youth Development Professionals

The Core Competencies were developed to: Define what professionals need to know and do to provide quality services for youth and families. Serve as the foundation for decisions and practices carried out by professionals in all settings. Establish a set of standards that support the professionalization of the field.

A Collaborative Effort OPEN Initiative Missouri Afterschool Network (MASN) Kansas Enrichment Network (KEN)

A Collaborative Effort Professionals in Kansas and Missouri –Youth workers –Higher education faculty, administrators, and staff –Federal and state agency personnel –School-age organizations –Community-based trainers

Parallel to the Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals

Eight Content Areas I – Child/Adolescent Growth and Development II - Learning Environment and Curriculum III - Child/Adolescent Observation and Assessment IV - Families and Communities V - Health, Safety, and Nutrition VI - Interactions with Children/Youth VII - Program Planning and Development VIII - Professional Development and Leadership

Levels 1 Knowledge and skills expected of a professional new to the field, with minimal specialized training/education. 2 Includes level 1 plus the knowledge and skills commensurate with a Youth Development Credential, a certificate in child/adolescent development, or equivalent training/education. 3 Includes levels 1 and 2 plus knowledge and skills commensurate with an associate’s degree in child/adolescent development. 4 Includes levels 1, 2, and 3 plus knowledge and skills commensurate with a bachelor’s degree in youth development. 5 Includes levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 plus knowledge and skills commensurate with an advanced degree in youth development.

I – Child/Adolescent Growth and Development Child/Adolescent Growth and Development Level 1 – Is aware of the basic stages of youth development. Level 2 – Describes specific physical, cognitive, social, and emotional stages of youth development. Level 3 – Explains physical, cognitive, social, and emotional differences among youth. Level 4 – Integrates information on growth, development, and learning styles of individuals and applies it to youth in group settings Level 5 – Articulates, analyzes, evaluates, and/or applies current theories and research related to child/adolescent growth and development. Understand how youth learn and develop in each of the domains: physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and creative.

II – Learning Environment and Curriculum Creating the Learning Environment and General Curriculum Promoting Physical Development Promoting Cognitive Development Promoting Communication Skills Promoting Social Development Promoting Creative Expression Establish an environment that provides learning experiences that meet each youth’s needs, capabilities, and interests.

III – Child/Adolescent Observation and Assessment Child/Adolescent Observation and Assessment Observe and assess what youth know and can do in order to provide curriculum that meets their developmental and learning needs.

IV – Families and Communities Relationships with Families Use of Community Resources Work collaboratively with families and agencies/ organizations to meet the needs of youth and to encourage the community’s involvement with youth development.

V – Health, Safety, and Nutrition Knowledge of Regulations Environmental Safety Responding to Health Needs of Youth Nutrition Establish and maintain an environment that ensures the healthy development, safety, and nourishment of youth.

VI – Interactions with Children/Youth Providing Individual Guidance Enhancing Group Experiences Establish supportive relationships with youth and guide them both as individuals and as a part of a group.

VII – Program Planning and Development Program Planning and Evaluation Personnel Management Financial Management Establish, implement, and evaluate youth development programs.

VIII – Professional Development and Leadership Displaying Professionalism in Practice Ongoing Professional Growth Leadership and Advocacy Serve youth and families in a professional manner and participate in the community as a representative of the youth development field.

How can the Core Competencies be used … by Program Staff? by Directors/Administrators? by Trainers/Agencies?

How can the Core Competencies be used? All Staff –Self evaluation –Professional development goal setting –Monitor and record trainings by Core Competency area

How can the Core Competencies be used? Directors/Administrators –Specify requirements for staff job descriptions –Establish salary scale based on educational achievement or demonstrated competence

How can the Core Competencies be used? Trainers/Agencies –Organize training opportunities –Create a framework for a career development system

Questions? For more information about the Core Competencies for Youth Development Professionals, visit: