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your experience on this site better. Volume X, Number 1, Spring
2004 Issue Topic: Evaluating Out-of-School Time Program Quality
Beyond Basic Training Suzanne Bouffard from HFRP explores the
contribution that staff development initiatives and evaluations
make to improving the quality of youth programming. Staffing is
a key component of quality in out-of-school time (OST) programs.
Many programs attribute their success to skillful providers, and
research shows the importance of positive staff-child
relationships for youth outcomes (Eccles & Gootman, 2002).
Professional development can enhance the skills of both new
personnel and longtime staffers. While the concept of
professional development is not new, its significance for those
working in OST is still emerging. As the professional
development field begins to have a larger