Program activities take place in safe, supportive settings that promote personal growth and healthy development.
Note: Additional standards that address the importance of providing a clean, healthy, and safe service environment are included in YD 9 and ASE.
The program setting is welcoming and engaging and helps youth feel physically and emotionally safe, comfortable, and supported.
Interpretation: The indoor space should reflect the activities and interests of youth and be sensitive to and supportive of all youth, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, culture, language, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:
- Youth are free to personalize the space and redefine some areas for their purposes;
- The décor portrays people from different ethnic and racial backgrounds engaged in a variety of roles;
- Youth can use and relax on soft, comfortable furniture, such as couches, cushions, beanbag chairs, or rugs;
- There are some spaces that suit youth who want to rest or be alone;
- Visual displays show a variety of cultures and reflect the diversity of the community; and
- Signs include the home languages of the youth in the program.
There is enough room in the indoor space for the activities offered.
Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:
- Youth can work and play without crowding;
- Youth have space to sit, relax, and socialize with one another;
- There is enough space so that indoor activities do not interfere with each other;
- There is indoor space for active play during bad weather;
- When indoor space is used for active play (e.g., dance, aerobics, or basketball) there are approximately 75 to 100 square feet per youth;
- There are approximately 25 to 35 square feet per youth for quiet activities such as homework, reading, or holding club meetings; and
- There are approximately 35 to 45 square feet per youth for small group and enrichment activities such as woodworking, arts and crafts, and science experiments.
The indoor space is arranged well for the range of activities offered.
Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:
- Materials are sorted and well organized;
- Running water is conveniently located and accessible to youth; and
- Activities take place near the sink when they require water for clean-up.
The indoor space is arranged so that various activities can go on at the same time without much disruption.
Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:
- Active play does not disrupt quiet activities (e.g., loud music does not distract youth doing homework); and
- Pathways allow youth to move from one place to another without disturbing ongoing activities.
In order to help youth take initiative and explore their interests, the indoor space is arranged so that they can:
- get materials out and put them away by themselves with ease; and
- move materials and equipment to suit their activities.
Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:
- Materials that see frequent use are accessible to participants;
- Materials and supplies are equally accessible to all youth;
- If supply cabinets are locked, they can be opened for use while youth are at the program;
- Youth can sit comfortably without being cramped;
- Youth can move furniture easily to make more room or to define an area; and
- Youth can choose tables and desks that are at the right height for their size and activity.
There is adequate and convenient storage space for equipment, materials, and personal possessions of youth and personnel.
Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:
- There is a place for youth to store personal belongings;
- Materials used frequently and works-in-progress are accessible to youth, and there are other places to store bulk materials and things not currently in use;
- Personnel rarely have to carry heavy equipment long distances or large amounts of materials for set-up and clean-up;
- The amount or location of storage does not limit the activities personnel can offer;
- Personnel have a place to store personal belongings; and
- Programs in a shared space have portable equipment on wheels.
