Book Description

Out-of-school time (OST) settings are powerful contexts for youth development when programs and services are intentionally designed. Youth Development Principles and Practices in Out-of-School Time Settings was written to increase the capacity of students and professionals to facilitate youths optimal transition to adulthood through maximizing the developmental benefits accrued by participating in OST programs and experiences. Peter A. Witt and Linda L. Caldwell, two well-respected researchers in the youth development field, have brought together a group of outstanding authors who provide an exceptional blend of theory- and practice-based information critical to anyone seeking to conceptualize, design, and evaluate OST programs. All chapters are based on tenets of positive youth development necessary to enable youth to thrive. The book is divided into five sections: (1) youth development principles and foundational information (e.g., youth today as well as an historical perspective on youth work); (2) developing youths potential (including specific chapters on leisure and recreation, youth sport, nature-based activities and the arts); (3) systematic program planning and evaluation of youth programs. (4) the role of adults and families in the lives of youth; (5) issues of diversity in youth development (e.g., race and ethnicity, immigrant, LGBT, and ability level). A final chapter discusses the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to become a skilled youth professional. Each chapter ends with thought-provoking discussion questions and assignments that encourage application and further exploration of the chapters content. The book is a must read for students and practitioners seeking to understand youth today and support their development through out-of-school time programs.