In this course, you will learn about what program management means for a school-age staff member and about the roles and responsibilities you can assume that contribute to the overall quality of your program.

This lesson will highlight the importance of teamwork when managing your school-age classroom. High-quality practices for school-age children and their families, and collaborating with colleagues and family members will be discussed. You will also learn about the importance of reflecting on your own experiences and practices.

In this lesson, you will learn how curriculum and the planning and implementing of developmentally appropriate experiences and activities contribute to the management of your school-age classroom. The importance of professional development is also explored.

School-age children and youth develop and learn within all types of families, and family members are the most significant people in children’s lives. When you view families as complex systems and you acknowledge their impact in childhood, you are better able to develop partnerships with families and help create environments that meet the needs of each school-age child in your care. Strong partnerships with families help make the management of your school-age classroom smooth and energized. This lesson shares perspectives for understanding families and provides an introduction to family-centered practice.

In this lesson, you will learn about the importance of evaluation as a way to know whether the services you provide to school-age children and youth in your program are going well and what aspects of your practice and program need improvement.