DOWNLOAD CORE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & COMPETENCIES FOR OST PROFESSIONALS
The CKSCs research-based framework describes the dispositions, knowledge, skills, and competencies individuals need to provide high-quality OST programming, support the learning and development of children and youth, and advance equity. Dispositions are a set of attitudes, and knowledge reflects information and understanding, while skills and competencies are concrete, achievable, and establish standards of practice that strengthen individual skills and the overall profession.
The CKSCs are grouped into ten content areas. These content areas are categories of knowledge that are widely used in the field and based on research.
- CHILD/YOUTH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
- LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND CURRICULUM
- CHILD/YOUTH OBSERVATION AND ASSESSMENT
- RELATIONSHIPS AND INTERACTIONS WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH
- YOUTH ENGAGEMENT, VOICE, AND CHOICE
- EQUITY AND INCLUSION
- FAMILY, SCHOOL, AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS
- SAFETY AND WELLNESS
- PROGRAM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP
Each of the content areas includes:
RATIONALE This section explains why each content area is important in the OST professional’s practice.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES Professional practice develops over time with additional work experience and learning. In recognition of this progression, each content area has skills and competencies grouped into three categories:
- Identify - knowledge gained through on-the-job training, mentoring, coaching, and other formal and informal learning experiences, with the professional building an understanding of concepts and content.
- Apply - skills demonstrated through action with the professional’s goal to know and subsequently show concepts and content in practice.
- Amplify - actions taken with the professional’s goal to enhance other’s understanding of concepts and content and subsequently influence policies, practice, PD, and funding.