Mapping the National AfterSchool Association Core Competencies with Social and Emotional Learning Practices

As the afterschool field continues to emphasize the importance of social and emotional development, it is essential that leaders and staff have resources to help them understand (1) their own social and emotional competencies to inform their practice and (2) how to provide opportunities that promote social and emotional competence building.

The National AfterSchool Association and AIR developed SEL to the Core: Building from Foundational Youth Development to Support Social and Emotional Learning as a support for afterschool professionals and leaders. The guide is designed as a supplement to the NAA Core Knowledge and Competencies for Afterschool and Youth Development Professionals (NAA CKCs), which present the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed by out-of-school time (OST) professionals to provide high-quality youth development programming to support the learning and development of children and youth.

Being intentional about SEL requires the attention of both leaders and staff. This guide includes eight field-tested, research and evidence-based practices for promoting SEL, with the most foundational organizational practices followed by programmatic practices. The section for each practice identifies who should be involved and is supported by the rationale, the aligned NAA CKCs content areas, and a sample of practical and actionable strategies.