THE HOURS WE CAN'T BE HOME
CHAPTER 4: DAY-TO-DAY PROGRAMMING
Carole Eller
Extension Educator, Youth and Resource Development
Cooperative Extension System
University of Connecticut
Elizabeth Prosl-Salsado
ExtensionEducator, Youth and Resource Development
Cooperative Extension System
University of Connecticut
Barbara A. Lescault-Cooley
Consultant
Collaboration for Connecticut's Children
Copyright/Access Information
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There are many lengthy books written on program planning. A simple way to ensure a good plan is to remember the key word, S.O.M.E. Consider the following:
S. - Situation
O. - Objectives
M. - Methods
E. - Evaluation
While the specifics for day-to-day programming will fall upon the staff, the board sets policies in relation to the total program. Therefore, it is necessary to look at your situation, set objectives, and then determine methods and evaluation techniques which are all part of the program planning process. This will enable your board to determine policies.
In reviewing your situation, you should include the basic purpose as stated in your bylaws, the number of children enrolled, the budget, space, and staff. Based upon this information, the objectives you set can be realistic and measured.
An objective is a statement of who will be able to do what. A measured objective will tell us that a specific number of people will do a specific number of things. For example, if your group thinks self defense is an important skill for children, your measurable objective would be:
Twenty-six children will be able to demonstrate six ways to protect themselves.
If your group thinks children should learn to eat nutritional foods the objective might be:
Twelve children will learn to prepare nutritious snacks.
After the objectives are set, your board and staff would then determine the methods to be used, i.e., "We will budget $300.00 to pay someone to instruct the children in basic karate skills." The director would then set up the program. The method for the second objective might be to have staff contact the Cooperative Extension Service for 4-H project guides and establish a cooking club.
Evaluation is the final step in program planning. To evaluate the two objectives, the board might establish an annual family night where the children demonstrate karate skills and serve snacks that they have prepared to their parents.
The content of your program will determine the equipment and supplies that will be needed. In the beginning most programs have a small budget to spend on these items. Try to select basic equipment that can be used in many ways: balls, crayons, scissors, paper, scraps of fabric, yarn, tape, large pillows, etc. These are necessary to ensure a basic yet full program.
Accept donations of secondhand toys, record players, cards, board games, etc. All will be welcome additions to your basic supplies. Also accept recycled items. These have multiple purposes when used creatively. They include egg cartons, grocery food bags, yogurt containers, magazines, tin cans, paper bags, computer sheets, thread spools, scraps of lumber, etc.
If your program is fortunate enough to have exclusive use of a space, try to have someone donate comfortable furniture, a carpet, fish tanks - those that leak can be used as terrariums - and other items to make your room look like a warm inviting place.
Your director should be involved in making major equipment and supply decisions.
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