Over the last decade, we have seen a significant rise in the number and importance of after-school programs and other critical hours programs for elementary and middle-school aged children. These
programs fill the critical hours between when children and youth finish school, and the end of their parents’ work day and beyond. They rest on Three Pillars which provide them with objective and
direction, and are measures by which we can evaluate their success. The pillars are:
- Skill development;
- Safe and supported spaces; and,
- Positive relationships.
To view the Three Pillars
Training videos, visit the Ottawa Child & Youth Initiative's website.