PYD Principles
This PYD concept focuses on helping youth build a sense of self-worth and belief in their abilities.
What is confidence?
This basic safety practice requires knowing where every child is at all times during program hours.
What is supervision?
This policy requires staff to document and report any injuries, behavioral issues, or unusual events that occur during the program.
What is incident/accident reporting?
This planning tool outlines the daily activity, objectives, materials needed, and steps for an after-school session.
What is lesson plan?
This is the top priority in any after-school program, ensuring all youth are protected from harm at all times.
What is safety?
In PYD, this principle emphasizes forming positive relationships with peers, family, and mentors.
What is connection?
These documents must be kept on file for every child and include important health conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts.
What are health forms?
This guideline ensures staff wear appropriate, professional attire that supports safety and sets a good example for youth.
What is dress code?
This structured set of topics and learning goals guides what youth are taught over time in a program.
What is curriculum?
Staff demonstrate this by setting a positive example through their behavior, attitudes, and actions for youth to follow.
What is role modeling?
This “C” of PYD refers to having a sense of right and wrong and acting with integrity.
What is character?
This common safety drill prepares staff and students to exit the building quickly and safely in case of danger from flames or smoke.
What is a fire drill?
This rule typically limits or bans personal device use during program hours to ensure full attention on supervising youth.
What is cell phone/tech use policy?
This reflective process happens after an activity and allows staff and youth to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what was learned.
What is a debrief?
This expectation includes being reliable, respectful, prepared, and maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth and colleagues.
What is professionalism?
PYD programs encourage youth to develop this skill set, which includes problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
What is competence?
This practice involves regularly cleaning surfaces, washing hands, and following procedures to prevent the spread of illness.
What is sanitation/safe hygiene practices?
This policy requires staff to use respectful language and maintain safe, appropriate boundaries when speaking to or touching youth.
What is appropriate physical/verbal interactions?
This teaching approach engages youth in hands-on activities where they explore real-world problems and create meaningful projects.
What is project-based learning?
This responsibility ensures the correct number of staff are supervising a group of youth at all times to maintain safety and compliance.
Often considered the “6th C,” this PYD outcome involves giving back, helping others, and positively impacting the community
What is contribution?
A written procedure that outlines steps staff must follow during emergencies such as injuries, severe weather, or lockdowns.
What is emergency action plan?
This important safety rule prohibits staff from being alone with a single participant to help prevent misconduct and ensure accountability.
What is one on one policy?
This key programming principle ensures activities match the developmental level, interests, and abilities of the youth in the group.
What is age appropriate activities?
This mindset encourages staff to stay open to feedback, improve skills, and continuously grow in their role.