The experiences of staff in an after-school program

ABSTRACT

In this qualitative study, I examine the experiences of staff who work in an after-school program (ASP). Specifically, I investigate their roles in the program, how they support the building of meaningful relationships with their participants, and their perceptions of the effectiveness of the program. Prior to COVID-19, after-school programs were intended to provide a safe environment for students during after-school hours. There is a growing recognition that after-school programs provide opportunities for positive social development, particularly among adolescents.In the midst of COVID-19, ASPs transitioned into all-day programs due to school closures. This transition allowed programs to provide support to students and families who were impacted by the coronavirus, had limited Internet access, and had to adapt to virtual instruction while their parents had to report to work in-person. It is critical to understand the program staff members' continued focus on developing meaningful relationships with students, supporting their participants' development into positive young adults, and meeting the increased needs of their families during a pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)