Abstract
Purpose. The study examined the possible trends and events that would influence the design and implementation of out-of-school time programming in California in the year 2007. The study was limited to out-of-school time programming in California that is supported by public funds. Methodology. A Delphi study of three interrogative rounds developed a consensus opinion of a panel of experts regarding the future of out-of-school time programming. The arithmetic mean was utilized to facilitate the development of consensus. The standard deviation was utilized to determine the degree of consensus. This was a descriptive study. Findings. Data indicated that of the original forty-four items identified by the panel of experts as potentially influencing out-of-school time programming, twenty were identified as highly or moderately likely to occur by the year 2007. Of those twenty items, the panel indicated eleven as having a high or moderately high positive impact on programming and that one would have a moderately negative impact on out-of-school time programming. Conclusions. Additional public funding for programs will create out-of-school time opportunities for children and youth in California as a result of public interest and multiple levels of political support. Funding streams will be blended through collaboration to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of out-of-school time programs. Annual performance reviews and research studies will identify best practices for out-of-school time programming. Unfortunately, not all out-of-school time programs will be able to sustain themselves as they will not be able to find funding to support the program beyond the limit of discretionary grants. Implications for action. Collaborating with all stakeholders, educators, recreation and youth development leaders, parents, business agencies, and non-profits, must be the cornerstone of out-of-school time programs. Participating in additional research will ensure quality programming. Recommendations. Based on this study out-of-school time professionals in the field must speak with a united voice in order to provide seamless and comprehensive programs between out-of-school time and the instructional day for children and youth. Future studies should focus on determining best practices for program design, staffing, and securing and maintaining funding, to ensure the improvement of outcomes for children and youth.