Social and Emotional Learning Paper Data.xlsx

As the demand for accessible after school programs (ASP) in America grows, numerous existing programs face challenges in meeting young children’s (K-5) developmental needs. The widely adopted SAFE (Sequenced, Active, Focused, Explicit) framework is proven to promote Social Emotional Learning (SEL) growth but fails to address the issue of many underfunded programs struggling to fully implement all SAFE components. This study examined patterns in component implementation and skill development through online reviews for a sample of America's premier K-5 ASP. Overall, Explicit programs had the most beneficial developmental effects, followed by Focused programs, as compared to the lesser impact of Sequenced and Active components. The SAFE scheme was deconstructed to identify which of its components contribute to the development of particular skills and which specific combinations enhance specific abilities and overall SEL growth. Of the eight tested combinations of SAFE components, the Focused-Explicit combination was found to have the greatest overall impact on SEL development, followed by separate inclusion of the Sequenced and Active components. From these findings, program directors looking to enhance specific skills may customize their own component combinations or prioritize training staff to effectively implement the components associated with the most positive outcomes for a particular competency.