Principles
Eight underlying principles guide research and development
to ensure that programs are effective within the entire scope
of youth environments-inner city, suburban and rural communities-and
in serving young people across all income levels.
- Programs are comprehensive, appropriate to levels of cognitive
and social development, and focus on a prevention approach
and broad range of life skills that can be consistently
taught and reinforced throughout childhood and adolescence.
- As the primary educators of children, parents are involved
as an integral part of the program's implementation.
- Training is required for all adults implementing the curricula.
- Collaboration and partnership between home, school and
community are essential.
- Each effort must be culturally relevant to the youth it
serves.
- Evaluation and accountability support successful outcomes.
- Programs are values-based, emphasizing the core positive
values of self-discipline, responsibility, healthy living,
volunteer service, and commitment to family, school, peers,
and the community.
- Programs are community-based, recognizing that positive
youth development is best accomplished at the local level.
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