Progress 04/15/10 to 04/14/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The University of Idaho Extension 4-H runs afterschool programs at three locations: Farmway Village, a low income housing complex, five miles outside of Caldwell, Canyon County; Potlatch in Latah County; and Bonners Ferry in Boundary County. For the Farmway Village site three feeder schools have a free and reduced lunch rate of 86 percent. All the children attending the afterschool program are Hispanic, in first through sixth grades. At the Potlatch site the afterschool program serves first throught sixth graders. Potlatch Elementary has a free and reduce lunch rate of 51 percent. The Bonners Ferry site serves children in first through sixth grades. The elementary school in Bonners Ferry has a free and reduced lunch rate of 56 percent. Changes/Problems:Nothing to report. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Site staff particiated in yearly training conducted by the Project Director, Evaluator and selected presenters. Site staff, project director, and evaluator attend the yearly CYFAR evaluation workshops. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Two reports have been disseminated to communities. The Assessment of Needs for Children, Youth and Families, Farmway Village, Caldwell Idaho was presented to the Caldwell Housing Authority, June 2015. The youth coalition in Boundary County received Interests, Opportunities, & Engagement - What do the Youth Say? Boundary County Youth Community Needs Assessment in August 2013. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Each year the goal of the afterschool program was to build life skills in the participating children. Skill building was developed through nutrition and healthy living, the arts and sciences activities. Two surveys were given to assess skills. The life skill survey (Washington State University model) had indicators related to communication, self-responsibility and healthy choices. The CYFAR Common Measures instrumentmeasured self-efficacy for healthy eating habits and supportive relationships. The surveys were given in fall 2014 and again in late March or early April 2015. The three sites will be referred to as Bonners Ferry, Potlatch and Farmway Village. The Farmway Village site does not have post life skill survey data. Results represent the each groups pre-survey compared with the group's post survey. The life skill survey asked the children about gains in the specific skills as a result of participating in the afterschool program. Children were asked to select how they felt about each indicator statement. Ratings were shown as faces on the survey: Never - 1; Sometimes - 2; and Usually - 3. The communication skill was tested by answering how often the children listen when someone is talking, tell people how they feel when feelings are hurt, apologize when wrong, and ask for help to understand something. The self-responsibility skill was tested by asking the children if they followed a homework schedule, followed through on tasks, asked an adult for help on problem-solving, took care of their things, asked permission to use others things, and waited for a turn when doing an activity. Skills related to healthy lifestyle choices were tested by asking how often they choose healthy snacks, like to play outside or in the gym every day and if they washed hands before eating. Pre and post averages perhaps best demonstrate building like skills. As a group, Potlatch had 2.33 average rating for communication on the pre survey and 2.48 on the post. Bonners Ferry had 2.40 rating on the pre and 2.53 on the post. Farmway Village had an average rating of 1.49 on the pre and no post survey. The self-responsibility rating for Potlatch was 2.58 on the pre and 2.56 on the post (a modest negative change). Bonners Ferry had a pre rating of 2.63 and 2.50 on the post survey. Farmway Village rated self-responsibility at 1.57 on the pre. Making healthy choices skill was rated 2.48 on the pre and 2.44 on the post by Potlatch group. Bonners Ferry rated the skill 2.54 on the pre and 2.51 on the post; where as Farmway rated the skill at 1.81 on the pre. As a group Potlatch showed a positive change for communication of 6.3%; a negative change for self-responsibility of -.72% and negative change for healthy choices of -1.3%. Bonners Ferry was similar. As a group they showed a positive change for communication of 5.14%; a negative change for self-responsibility of -5% and negative change for healthy choices of -.89%. The CYFAR Common Measure nutrition indicators did not provide significant insight to skill development. While Potlatch had a slight positive increase (.24 to.43) the other two sites, Farmway Village and Potlatch both had negative changes between pre and post. All three sites heavily programmed in the healthy living area. Based on site observations, the children showed solid interest and knowledge in nutrition and making healthy choice. For improved results all children need to complete the survey - pre and post. Group reporting would better reflect the learning and skill development taking place. All three sites had staff changes in the fifth year. This effected programming and scheduling. Without staff tracking the survey taking, only the children present on the single day that the evaluator was present did the survey. Children were missed. Potlatch had 19 of 30 complete, Bonners Ferry had 5 of 25 and Farmway Village had 6 of 25. The second major goal of the Afterschool Outreach program was to build community interest in afterschool and thus sustain the programs. Sustainability would also come from the integration of the afterschool efforts into the county-based 4-H program. Farmway Village and Bonners Ferry will continue a 4-H based program. It will not be a five -day or all day Friday program, but 4-H will have a presences. The children at both sites consider themselves as 4-H members. Potlatch was very successful. The Extension Educator received a grant from the Idaho Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Center for five years, ($650,000). Potlatch will offer an afterschool two-week summer program for 60 children.
Publications
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Progress 04/15/13 to 04/14/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Description: The Idaho CYFAR Outreach Afterschool project provides programs in three rural communities of Bonners Ferry, Boundary County; Potlatch, Latah County; and Farmway Village in Caldwell, Canyon County. Each site has a high free and reduced lunch rate. Bonners Ferry is 73 percent, Potlatch is 59 percent, and Farmway Village is 81 percent. Each community also has a high rate of unemployment. The school districts struggle with students reaching proficiency in science and math. The afterschool programs teach science and technology, visual arts, culture, nutrition and healthy living. Hands-on activities are focused on building life skills in communication, self-responsibility and healthy lifestyle choices. Family events throughout the year engage the community in supporting the afterschool programs. The Bonners Ferry site meets all-day on Fridays due to a four-day school week. The Potlatch site runs four days per week after school. Farmway Village runs five days per week after school. Changes/Problems: Key contributors to the volunteer hours are the AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers at each site. The VISTA worked on event planning and engaging parents. In addition to the VISTA’s, volunteers included community resource people, parents, college students and teens. Across the sites volunteer numbers increased by 20 from the previous year. College students and teens also play an important role at the Farmway Village site, contributing the majority of volunteer hours. Parent plays a minimum volunteer role, although Farmway Village has the highest parent engagement. Parents are supportive of the afterschool programs, wanting a safe and nurturing place for their children. But, they seem overwhelmed by dedicating volunteer hours. The majority of the parents are under economic stress and it may be unrealistic to except them to contribute hours towards the program. VISTA members rotated or left service in May and August, 2013. Due to the high demand for VISTA members across the 4-H program, the afterschool sites did not get new VISTA’s. Not having VISTA members has affected the afterschool programs. More funds are going to wages and fringe benefits than in previous years. This shift has reduced the material and supply budget. The sites are pulling in in-kind donations, seeking small grants, and carefully monitoring use of supplies What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The Idaho SCP – 4-H Afterschool Outreach serves children in 1st – 8th grades in three rural communities. One hundred and seven children participated throughout the year. Enrollment was consistent at the three sites. The Project Director (PD) and Evaluator did two sites visits and connected with site via phone and email during the year. Site staff attended state team training in April focused on science and evaluation. The PD provided technical assistance throughout the year through meetings, calls, resources, hiring site staff and grant writing. The PD, Evaluator, one faculty and one staff attended the CYFAR evaluation meeting in May. A project coordinator was hired in September to work directly with the sites.The sites worked with community partners and have MOU’s in place. The Potlatch and Bonners Ferry site continue to use school facilities. The Caldwell Housing Authority gave the Farmway Village site use of the entire community center and converted one room into an office. Each site hosted a Lights On Afterschool event in October 2013 and a family event in April. Bonners Ferry and Potlatch have advisory boards operating. Farmway Village had parent meetings to gather input. The Potlatch site constructed a community garden, plant and harvested vegetables. The garden was part of the summer program. Some produce was donated to the local senior citizen center. In Bonners Ferry the area youth coalition and 4-H conducted a youth community needs assessment to determine the needs of middle and high school students as they transition out of the all-day Friday program.The sites continue to use camera and Flip video cameras for photography activities. They use on-site computer labs to create flyers, poetry booklet, and do internet searches. Farmway Village used the Lego robotics programs (WeDo and NTX) in programming. They received additional funding through the National 4-H Council grant to conduct a technology program modeled after Tech Wizards. Bonners Ferry is using iPads and education apps to enrich their programming. The community partners at each site remain committed by providing building facilities and utilities. As noted above the Caldwell Housing Authority remodeled the community center for the afterschool program use. Newsletters help keep families informed of activities and events. Each site program director attended a 21st Century community Learning Center bidder’s workshop. One site is applying for a 21stCCLC afterschool grant in January 2014. The other two sites are visiting with additional community partners and plan to apply in winter 2015. The Bonners Ferry youth needs assessment will support 4-H in developing a more comprehensive program with community partnersthe sites have volunteers in place contributing to the programming and sustainability. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results from two evaluation tools used to document healthy living behavior, Common Measures-Nutrition and 4-H Life Skill surveys, were compiled into a written and graphic report for all three individual sites in Idaho: Farmway Village, Canyon County; Potlatch, Latah County; and Bonners Ferry, Boundary County. This report was shared with thecountiesto be distributed to partners and community members. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? CYFAR sites in Idaho will continue to provide afterschool programming in three communities: Bonners Ferry, Farmway Village, and Potlatch. Objective to meet the goals are: 1) Curriculum planned and scheduled; staff trained in use of 4-H curricula and outside resources in the content areas of: arts, culture, science/technology, and healthy life styles. 2) Staff trained in experiential learning model, appropriate life skills development, ages and stages, and learning styles. 3) Involvement of families in afterschool program and build awareness among school district faculty & staff, community organizations, and local governmental officials.Site planning and coordination will continue in the identified project areas using 4-H curricula and experiential learning model. All three site coordinators and staff will have access to additional robotics and technology training. Additional robotics kits and resources will be purchased to offer consistency in technology programming. Extension faculty from all three sites attended the 21CCLC bidders workshop in order to be prepared to applyand continue as aschool district partner in applying for funding. TheLatah CountyExtension educator applied for a 21CCLC grantJanuary 2014.Grantees will benotifiedby mid-April if they are awarded the five year grant to sustain afterschool programming.Educators at each siteplan towork in partnership with the school districts to apply for 21CCLC funding January 2015.Programsite visits by PD, evaluator, and technology specialist will continue.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The program's short termoutcomes addressincreased communication skillsand self-responsibility skills. Participantswill increase their healthy lifestyle choices as related to an increase in their physical activity, and an increase in selecting nutritious snacks. Initially a pre-post survey was given to children third grade and older at each site with the intent to compare scores. However, on any given day children reflect on their skill set at that point in time. They don’t compare skills at the beginning of the program with skills at the end. Therefore, this report reflects only post scores. The post life skill survey was given to children in in April or early May. The survey asked the children about gains in communication skills as a result of participating in the afterschool program. Children were asked to select how they felt about each indicator statement. Ratings were shown as faces on the survey: Never - 1; Sometimes - 2; and Usually - 3. The actual paper surveys used sad, neutral, and happy smiley face. Children third grade and older completed surveys. The communication life skill was tested by answering how often they listen when someone is talking, tell people how they feel when feelings are hurt, apologize when wrong, and ask for help to understand something.The Bonners Ferry site had 9 children complete the survey. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the survey was 2.53. Farmway Village site had 14 children the complete survey. The average rating for survey was 2.6. Potlatch site had 11 children complete the survey. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the survey was 2.49.The survey reflects the children’s skill level self-assessment. The children took the survey in groups of two to three. This allowed for the evaluator to emphasize answering based on individual ability and reduced tendency to answer based on peer pressure, perceived or otherwise. The evaluator observed that the children were more thoughtful in responding, taking time to think about the rating that fit them best. Collectively the children at the three sites are indicating that they sometimes to usually do the task (indicator statement). The life skill rating can’t be taken as a single measure of skill development. Observation, children’s comments and activities completion must be considered. Children participating in the 4-H projects did demonstrations/presentation before the group. The Potlatch and Bonners Ferry sites had presentation time week giving each child a choice of presenting a research project, poem or artwork to the group, which was observed to increase communication skills.The post life skill survey was given to children in in April or early May. The survey asked the children about gains in self-responsibility skills. Children were asked to select how they felt about each indicator statement. Ratings were shown as faces on the survey: Never - 1; Sometimes - 2; and Usually - 3. The actual paper surveys used sad, neutral, and happy smiley face. Children third grade and older completed surveys. The self-responsibility skill was tested by asking the children if they followed a homework schedule, followed through on tasks, asked an adult for help on problem-solving, took care of their things, asked permission to use others things, and waited for a turn when doing an activity. The Bonners Ferry site had 9 children complete surveys. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the post survey was 2.69. Farmway Village site had 14 children complete surveys. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.82. The Potlatch site had 11 children complete surveys. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the survey was 2.39. The survey reflects the children’s skill level self-assessment. The children took the survey in groups of two to three. This allowed for the evaluator to emphasize answering based on individual ability and reduced tendency to answer based on peer pressure, perceived or otherwise. The evaluator observed that the children were more thoughtful in responding, taking time to think about the rating that fit them best. Collectively the children at the three sites are indicating that they sometimes to usually do the task (indicator statement). The life skill rating can’t be taken as a single measure of skill development. To support the self-responsibility skill development, each site established a behavior management plan. Farmway Village sites used a “ticket system” paid for responsible acts. The 2.82 rating indicates it was successful. The site is using the system in the 2013-2014 program year. Bonners Ferry and Potlatch used similar approaches, giving points that could be earned and then expensed at a store for lanyards, stickers, small gifts, etc. Through observation all sites have established routines that reinforce self-responsibility skills. The post life skill survey was given to children in in April or early May. The survey asked the children about skills gained in healthy lifestyle choices. Children were asked to select how they felt about each indicator statement. Ratings were shown as faces on the survey: Never - 1; Sometimes - 2; and Usually - 3. The actual paper surveys used sad, neutral, and happy smiley face. Children third grade and older completed surveys. Skills related to healthy lifestyle choices were tested by asking how often they choose healthy snacks, like to play outside or in the gym every day and if they washed hands before eating. The Bonners Ferry site had 9 children complete surveys. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the post survey was 2.37. Farmway Village site had 14 children complete surveys. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.81. Potlatch site had 11 children complete surveys. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.42. These ratings indicate that the children value play time, inside or outside. Hand washing is completely integrated into the programs. Healthy snacks have improved greatly the past year. The Bonners Ferry site has ongoing access to the gym and outdoor track. They offer free-play throughout the day. The Potlatch site starts every session with thirty minutes of outside or gym play. The Farmway Village site offers outside activities in an open green space. Physical activity is critical to the overall program success along with healthy snacks. Initially using pedometer was a method to engage children in being physical active and to measure their activity level. The use of pedometers has not been successful at the sites. The management and tracking of the pedometer and walking journals require staff to check pedometers and logs in and out daily. The children are forgetful and often leave with the pedometer. Staff set major goals (group steps) that children lost interest in achieving. Enthusiasm waned after two weeks for both staff and children. The physical activity of the children did not decrease. It is just not as easy to track as originally thought. Therefore, the sites have no pedometer steps to report.
Publications
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Progress 04/15/12 to 04/14/13
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Idaho CYFAR Outreach Afterschool program provides programs, for first through eighth graders, in three rural communities: Bonners Ferry, Boundary County; Potlatch, Latah County; and Farmway Village in Caldwell, Canyon County. The afterschool programs teach visual arts, culture, nutrition and healthy living, and science and technology. Hands-on activities are focused on building life skills in communication, self-responsibility and healthy lifestyle choices. Enrollment was consistent at the sites throughout the year, reaching 106 children. The Project Director (PD) and Evaluator did two sites visits and conducted several conference calls with the sites during the year. Site staff participated in professional development training in March 2012. The PD provided technical assistance throughout the year through conference calls, resources, hiring site staff and grant writing. The PD attended the 2012 CYFAR Evaluation Workshop. The sites worked with community partners and have MOU's in place. The Potlatch and Bonners Ferry site continue to use school facilities and Farmway Village uses the community center. Each site hosted a Lights On Afterschool event in October 2012 and a family event in May. Bonners Ferry and Potlatch have advisory boards set-up. Farmway Village had parent meetings to gather input. Newsletters have helped keep families informed of activities. The sites used cameras for photography and videography activities. They use on-site computer labs to create flyers, poetry booklet, and do internet searches. Farmway Village used the Lego robotics programs in programming. PARTICIPANTS: The PD, Maureen Toomey, organized and leads the project. She conducted site visits reviewing logistics, planning, and scheduling and overall program management. The PD conducted web-based and face-to-face trainings for afterschool staff. She worked with the evaluator to ensure that the program follows the short and long term objective for the project. The evaluator, Dr. Nancy Deringer, did site visits the Bonners Ferry, Farmway Village and Potlatch. She observed the afterschool programs and visited with the staff. She over saw the implementation of the life skill survey at the sites and worked with undergraduate and a graduate students to gather observational data. Bonners Ferry Site: Extension 4-H, Boundary County, partners with the Boundary County School District to offer an afterschool program. An afterschool coordinator works half-time planning, implementing and managing the program. An assistant and an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer works with the program. The program operates all-day on Friday because the school district has gone to a four-day week. The school district provides the library, lunchroom and gym for the afterschool program use. Farmway Village Site: The Extension Educator and afterschool coordinator partner with the Caldwell Housing Authority (CHA) and Caldwell School District to offer a four-day a week (Tuesday through Friday) program. Thirty children attend regularly. The CHA provides the community center, computer lab, storage, and office space with internet connection. The school district provide USDA snack program. Potlatch Site: Extension 4-H, Latah County, partners with the Potlatch School District to offer an afterschool program, Monday through Thursday. An afterschool coordinator works half-time planning, implementing and managing the program. An assistant and an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer support the planning. The elementary school provides the program with a classroom and gym and USDA afterschool snack program. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences for the three afterschool sites are children in first through eighth grades. Each site is unique but are all serve primarily low-income children. The free- and reduce lunch rate is an economic indicator of low-income or poverty. The Bonners Ferry site serves children in first-sixth grade. The elementary school in Bonners Ferry has a free and reduced lunch rate of 64 percent. Although 41 children were enrolled many left the program mid-year. Enrollments fluctuated between 17 to 30 children. Twenty-six percent of the children attended 75-100% of the time. Despite the staff changes the program ended on a positive note and is approaching targets as of September 2012. The Farmway Village site reaches 30 children. The three schools that children from the Village attend have a free and reduced lunch rate of eighty-six percent. All the children attending the afterschool program are Hispanic. Children third-fifth grade attend the program, along with middles school students being trained as mentors. Forty-six percent of the children attend 75-100% of the time. The Potlatch site has a free and reduce lunch rate of fifty-six percent. Twenty children, first through sixth grade, attend the program. Enrollment remained steady with 20 children. Eighty-two percent of the children attended 75-100% of the time. A quarter of the children attending are parent-identified as special needs. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The program's short term outcomes address increased communication, self-responsibility, healthy lifestyle skills. A pre-life skill survey was given in October 2011 and post survey was given in April 2012. Children third grade and older completed surveys. The survey asked the children about gains in communication skills: The Bonners Ferry site had 9 children complete surveys. In May only one child completed both pre and post survey. The following result reflects the 9 who completed the post survey. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the post survey was 2.55. Farmway Village site had 20 children complete surveys. Eighteen completed pre surveys; 20 completed post surveys; 12 children completed both pre and post surveys. Comparing the 12 pre-post surveys shows a .12 change for communication skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 1.77. Potlatch site had 16 children complete surveys. Eleven children completed pre surveys; 15 completed post surveys; 10 children completed both pre and post surveys. Comparing the 10 pre-post surveys shows a .04 change for communication skill development. The self-responsibility skills: The Bonners Ferry site results reflect the 9 children who completed the post survey. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the post survey was 2.64. Farmway Village site 12 children completed both pre and post surveys. Comparing the 12 pre-post surveys shows a .06 change for self-responsibility skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.05. The average rating for post survey was 2.52. Potlatch site had 10 children completed both pre and post surveys. Comparing the 10 pre-post surveys shows a .01 change for self-responsibility skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.54. The average rating for post survey was 2.5. Skills related to healthy lifestyle choices: The Bonners Ferry site results reflect the 9 who completed the post survey. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the post survey was 2.74. Farmway Village site had 20 children complete surveys. Eighteen completed pre surveys; 20 completed post surveys; 12 children completed both pre and post surveys. Comparing the 12 pre-post surveys shows a -.11 change for healthy choices skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.05. The average rating for post survey was 2.58. Potlatch site had 16 children complete surveys. Eleven children completed pre surveys; 15 completed post surveys; 10 children completed both pre and post surveys. Comparing the 10 pre-post surveys shows no change for healthy choices skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.57. The average rating for post survey was 2.3. Both Farmway and Potlatch show negative results for washing hands before eating. Farmway shows a negative rating for eating healthy snacks.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 04/15/11 to 04/14/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Idaho CYFAR Outreach Afterschool program provides programs, for first through eighth graders, in three rural communities: Bonners Ferry, Boundary County; Potlatch, Latah County; and Farmway Village in Caldwell, Canyon County. The afterschool programs teach visual arts, culture, nutrition and healthy living, and science and technology. Hands-on activities are focused on building life skills in communication, self-responsibility and healthy lifestyle choices. Enrollment was consistent at the sites throughout the year, reaching 120 children. The Project Director (PD) and Evaluator did three sites visits and conducted several conference calls with the sites during the year. Site staff participated in a webinar on behavior management and child assets in January and February. The CYFAR Outreach team (PD, evaluator and site faculty/staff) attended one-day training in June. The PD provided technical assistance throughout the year through conference calls, resources, hiring site staff and grant writing. The CYFAR team attended the 2011DoD/USDA Family Resiliency conference. The Bonner Ferry Extension staff presented a workshop titled Explore: Teens As Mentors. The PD developed a staff/parent handbook template for all sites to use in year 2. The sites worked with community partners and have MOU's in place. The Potlatch and Bonners Ferry site continue to use school facilities and Farmway Village uses the community center. Each site hosted a Lights On Afterschool event in October 2011 and a family event in May. Bonners Ferry and Potlatch have advisory boards set-up. Farmway Village had parent meetings to gather input. Newsletters have helped keep families informed of activities. The sites used camera and Flip video cameras for photography activities. They use on-site computer labs to create flyers, poetry booklet, and do internet searches. Farmway Village used the Lego robotics programs (WeeDo and NTX) in programming. They received additional funding through the National 4-H Council Engaging Youth Serving Community 9 grant to conduct a technology program modeled after Web Wizards. Bonners Ferry received a grant IDAH2O to teach water quality monitoring to the children. They will monitor a local pond, collect data and report it to a statewide system. PARTICIPANTS: The PD, Maureen Toomey, organized and leads the project. She conducted site visits reviewing logistics, planning, and scheduling and overall program management. The PD conducted web-based and face-to-face trainings for afterschool staff. She worked with the evaluator to ensure that the program follows the short and long term objective for the project. The evaluator, Dr. Nancy Deringer, did site visits the Bonners Ferry, Farmway Village and Potlatch. She observed the afterschool programs and visited with the staff. She over saw the implementation of the life skill survey at the sites and worked with undergraduate and a graduate students to gather observational data. Bonners Ferry Site: Extension 4-H, Boundary County, partners with the Boundary County School District to offer an afterschool program. An afterschool coordinator works half-time planning, implementing and managing the program. An assistant and an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer works with the program. The program operates all-day on Friday because the school district has gone to a four-day week. The school district provides the library, lunchroom and gym for the afterschool program use. Farmway Village Site: The Extension Educator and afterschool coordinator partner with the Caldwell Housing Authority (CHA) and Caldwell School District to offer a four-day a week (Tuesday through Friday) program. Thirty children attend regularly. The CHA provides the community center, computer lab, storage, and office space with internet connection. The school district provide USDA snack program. Potlatch Site: Extension 4-H, Latah County, partners with the Potlatch School District to offer an afterschool program, Monday through Thursday. An afterschool coordinator works half-time planning, implementing and managing the program. An assistant and an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer support the planning. The elementary school provides the program with a classroom and gym and USDA afterschool snack program. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences for the three afterschool sites are children in first through eighth grades. Each site is unique but are all serve primarily low-income children. The free- and reduce lunch rate is an economic indicator of low-income or poverty. The Bonners Ferry site serves children in first-sixth grade, along with middles school students being trained as mentors. The elementary school in Bonners Ferry has a free and reduced lunch rate of 64 percent. Although 22 enrolled the site averaged 6-10 children, in grades K-6th each week. Thirty-three percent of the children attended 75-100% of the time. The Farmway Village site reaches 30 children. The three schools that children from the Village attend have a free and reduced lunch rate of eighty-six percent. All the children attending the afterschool program are Hispanic. Children third-fifth grade attend the program, along with middles school students being trained as mentors. Forty-seven percent of the children attend 75-100% of the time. The Potlatch site has a free and reduce lunch rate of fifty-six percent. Twenty children, first through sixth grade, attend the program. Sixty percent of the children attended 75-100% of the time. A third of the children attending are parent-indentified as special needs. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The CYFAR Outreach Afterschool short term outcomes address increased communication, self-responsibility, healthy lifestyle skills; increase in their physical activity and in selecting nutritious snacks. A pre-life skill survey was given in October 2010 and post survey was given in April 2011. Children self-ranked achievement on the stated life skill based on 3-4 indicator statement. Ratings were shown as faces on the survey: Never - 1; Sometimes - 2; and Usually - 3. The pre-survey results are compared with the post-survey. The survey asked the children about gains in communication skills. The Bonners Ferry site had 11 children complete surveys. Nine completed pre surveys, 4 completed post surveys; 2 children completed both pre and post. Comparing the 2 pre-post surveys shows a -.5 change for communication skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.64. The average rating for post survey was 2.65. Farmway Village site had 24 children complete surveys. Fifteen completed pre surveys; 17 completed post surveys; 8 children completed both. Comparing the 8 pre-post surveys shows a -.75 change for communication skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.52. The average rating for post survey was 2.4. Potlatch site had 15 children complete surveys. Ten children completed pre surveys; 8 completed post surveys; 3 children completed both pre and post surveys. Comparing the 3 pre-post surveys shows a -1 change for communication skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.6. The average rating for post survey was 2.3. The survey asked the children about gains in self-responsibility skills. Comparing the Bonners Ferry 2 pre-post surveys shows a -.5 change for self-responsibility skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.78. The average rating for post survey was 2.83. Comparing the 8 Farmway Village pre-post surveys shows a -.75 change for self-responsibility skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.56. The average rating for post survey was 2.58. Comparing the 3 Potlatch pre-post surveys shows a .33 change for self-responsibility skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.64. The average rating for post survey was 2.29. The survey asked the children about skills gained in healthy lifestyle choices. Comparing the 2 Bonners Ferry pre-post surveys shows no change for healthy lifestyle choices skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.73. The average rating for post survey was 2.66. Comparing the 8 Farmway Village pre-post surveys shows a -.37 change for lifestyle choices skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.56. The average rating for post survey was 2.58. Comparing the 3 Potlatch pre-post surveys shows a -.33 change for healthy lifestyle choices skill development. As a group, the average self-selected rating on the pre survey was 2.57. The average rating for post survey was 2.3.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 04/15/10 to 04/14/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Idaho CYFAR Outreach Afterschool program provides programs in three rural communities: Bonners Ferry, Boundary County; Potlatch, Latah County; and Farmway Village in Caldwell, Canyon County. The afterschool programs teach visual arts, culture, nutrition and healthy living, and science and technology. Hands-on activities are focused on building life skills in communication, self-responsibility and healthy lifestyle choices. Family events throughout the year engage the community in supporting the afterschool programs. The Project Director (PD) and Evaluator attended the CYFAR Orientation in April 2010. The evaluation plan and logic model was developed and confirmed in June. The Idaho delegation at the 2010 CYFAR conference included one staff from the three CYFAR Outreach sites, the PD, evaluator and graduate student. Budgets for sites and state were set-up and training provided on budget management. 4-H Afterschool coordinators were hired for each site. The CYFAR Outreach team and other CYFAR SCP team had a two-day training in September. The PD worked with the University Ag communication to write a press release on the grant award and site programming. Afterschool programs began in September 2010. Each site worked with community partners establishing a MOU and liability waiver. Given that the programs began in September no technology has been integrated at this time, except for Farmway village site. Volunteers led a Lego robotics class during the summer with a small group of children. Each site has strong community partners committed to the afterschool program. Each site was trained on the logic model and are working to follow it closely, including setting up advisory boards. PARTICIPANTS: The PD, Maureen Toomey, organized and leads the project. She conducted site visits reviewing logistics, planning, and scheduling and overall program management. The PD conducted web-based trainings for afterschool staff. She facilitated bi-monthly conference calls. The PI conducted a two-day training for sites covering CYFAR mission, guiding principles, budgets, programming. The technology specialist, Dr. Tim Ewers, presented on science inquiry. She worked with the evaluator to ensure that the program follows the short and long term objective for the project. The evaluator, Dr. Nancy Deringer, did site visits the Bonners Ferry, Farmway Village and Potlatch. She observed the afterschool programs and visited with the staff. She over saw the implementation of the pre-life skill survey at the sites and worked with undergraduate and a graduate students to gather observational data. Bonners Ferry Site: Extension 4-H, Boundary County, partners with the Boundary County School District to offer an afterschool program. An afterschool coordinator works half-time planning, implementing and managing the program. An AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer works with the program. The program operates all-day on Friday because the school district has gone to a four-day week. The school district provides the library, lunchroom and gym for the afterschool program use. Farmway Village Site: The Extension Educator and afterschool coordinator partner with the Caldwell Housing Authority (CHA) and Caldwell School District to offer a four-day a week (Tuesday through Friday) program. Students from the College of Idaho volunteer at the program. Thirty children attend regularly. The CHA provides the community center, computer lab, storage, and office space with internet connection. The school district provide USDA snack program. Potlatch Site: Extension 4-H, Latah County, partners with the Potlatch School District to offer an afterschool program, Monday through Thursday. An afterschool coordinator works half-time planning, implementing and managing the program. An AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer worked during the summer to support the planning. The Potlatch Afterschool program began in mid-September and has twenty-two children enrolled, of which 20 attend regularly. The elementary school provides the program with a classroom and gym and USDA afterschool snack program. The Extension Educator, a University of Idaho graduate student, and two 4-H volunteers help staff the program. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences for the three afterschool sites are children in first through sixth grades. Each site is unique but are al serving primarily low-income children in the community. The free- and reduce lunch rate is a economic indicator of low-income or poverty. The Bonners Ferry site serves children in first-sixth grade, along with middles school students being trained as mentors. The elementary school in Bonners Ferry has a free and reduced lunch rate of 67 percent, a 13 percent increase over two years, while the enrollment has declined five percent. The Farmway Village site reaches 30 children. The three schools that children from the Village attend have a free and reduced lunch rate of eighty-six percent, up thirteen percent over two years. All the children attending the afterschool program are Hispanic. Children third-fifth grade attend the program, along with middles school students being trained as mentors. The Potlatch site has a free and reduce lunch rate of fifty-five percent, which is twelve percent increase over two years, while the enrollment has only increased ten percent. Children first through sixth attend the program. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The CYFAR Outreach Afterschool short term outcomes are: Youth who participate in the Afterschool program will have increased communication, self-responsibility skills, healthy lifestyle choices and increase in their physical activity, and an increase in selecting nutritious snacks. A pre-life skill survey was given in October 2010. A post survey will be given in April 2011. Children self-ranked achievement on the stated life skill based on 3-4 indicator statement. The pre-survey results will then be compared with the post-survey. There is no additional data to report at this time. The long term outcome is an increase in community capacity to sustain the afterschool program in the community. Two site, Farmway and Bonners Ferry host parent events, Lights On Afterschool in October. The sites have set up a community advisory board to address the long term goal.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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