Core competencies set goals and standards for training, education and professional development to ensure quality. Out-of-school time core competencies define the expected applicable day-to-day knowledge and care for providers at all levels, including volunteers, and in all settings. Core competencies vary from state to state, but they all detail the skills, knowledge, ethics and practice to support child and youth development and families. At the same time, competencies empower practitioners to better understand their practice and further their professional development.
In Pennsylvania, a leading body on core competencies and professional development for early childhood and school-age (up to 12 years) practitioners is The Pennsylvania Key, sponsored by the Department of Human Service’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
Youth Work Core Competencies: A review of Existing Frameworks and Purposes
Assistant Group Supervisor, Before/After School Program
Lancaster Recreation Commission, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Site Director, Before/After School Program
Lancaster Recreation Commission, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Studio Coordinator and Teacher
Assemble, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Summer Camp Instructor
Snapology, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Summer Camp Instructor Cranberry
Snapology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Program Manager
Brothers and Sisters Emerging, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
STEM Project Manager
McKinney Center, Philadelphia Educations Fund, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Summer Camp Coordinator
Rankin Christian Center, Rankin, Pennsylvania
Teaching Artist
YMCA Lighthouse Project, Homewood-Brushton YMCA, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
