BLOCS has identified a series of Best Practice Guidelines, known as BLOCStar, for OST programs. By adhering to these best practices, programs that participate in BLOCStar have demonstrated commitment to continuous quality improvement and the adoption of Youth Development principles within program activities. To identify local BLOCStar programs and locations, look for the BLOCStar logo next to program names in 2-1-1 information referral service as well as identifying markers at OST site locations.
Find A Program
At times parents need help locating after school, summer and out-of-school programs. Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service directs people looking for resources to the appropriate service provider, you can find the most up-to-date information on programs available to you by calling 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898211, or clicking here.
Search Hints: If searching the online database, you can use keywords such as “youth enrichment programs”, “day camps”, or “ost” to return the most relevant results.
Training
Training for professionals in youth development is critical to providing quality out-of-school time programs. BLOCS is committed to providing a structure for out-of-school time professionals to receive quality training based on the Louisville Out-of-School Time Program Quality Standards and youth development professional core competencies. BLOCS is also working with institutions of higher learning – including Jefferson Community Technical College and Kentucky State University – to develop a Youth Worker Certification Program.
Why Summer Programs Are Important
Research spanning 100 years has proven that students lose ground academically when they are out of school for the summer. This is especially true among low-income students who lose an average of more than two months in reading achievement in the summer. By the end of fifth grade, disadvantaged children are nearly three grade equivalents behind their more affluent peers in reading.