Preparing Adults to Work with Youth: An Environmental Scan of Professional Development

Jennifer Gerdes, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension
Tonia R. Durden, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension
Claudia C. Mincemoyer, Pennsylvania State University
Kathleen Lodl, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension

Document Type Article

Copyright 2013 Journal of Youth Development: Bridging Research and Practice. Used by permission.

Abstract

This feature article shares the results of a national environmental scan conducted to identify professional development programs offered for school age providers across the nation through the Cooperative Extension System. A purposeful sample comprised of representatives from state extension offices throughout the country included 135 respondents from 48 states. Results showed 139 professional development programs for school age providers were offered through the Cooperative Extension System. The majority of programs offered professional development in the areas of health, nutrition, safety, youth development, and quality afterschool environments. This article summarizes the findings of the environmental scan, including number of contact hours, program scope, and program partners, as well as discussion and recommendations for future work in this area.