Program Development

Question 1

1. Conduct a Needs Assessment: Explore the problem and gather information

Answer 1

• A community assessment is done to develop an informed understanding of the gaps or needs that exist within a community and their impacts upon the community’s members.
• A community needs assessment identifies the strengths and resources available in the community to meet the needs of children, youth, and families.
• 5 Steps of Conducting a Community Needs Assessment:

Step 1: Define the Scope: What issue are looking at? Housing? Mental Health?

Step 2: Collaborate: Partner with existing groups/organizations

Step 3: Collect Data: Use surveys, focus groups, demographic information, interviews

Step 4: Determine Key Findings

Step 5: Share your Findings

Question 2

2. Establish the planning team/Create a task force

Answer 2

• Identify and build a team of key staff to be included in the planning, development, and implementation process for the new program.

Question 3

3. Define goals and objectives of the program based on results of needs assessment

Answer 3

• The goal should define what the program is looking to achieve in order to address the identified problem(s) from the Community Needs Assessment.
• The goal identifies the overall, measurable outcome or change that you are expecting through the implementation of the program
• The objectives specify the measurable tasks that will occur in order to achieve the broader programmatic goals

Question 4

4. Develop an action plan and timeline for implementation

Answer 4

• Programs should be research-supported and theoretically sound

• Gather and organize data on programs that have addressed similar
issues

• Conduct a literature review. A literature review is a process of gathering relevant information from multiple sources. It involves a critical, in-depth evaluation of previous research on a specified topic
• Clarify the components of the program
• Identify program activities, output, and outcomes of the program
• Identify people and resources needed for successful implementation of the program
• Outline teaching and learning methods for staff
• Determine benchmarks and tools/measures for assessment and evaluation
• This will ensure data is used throughout program implementation, influencing the development of the program and can be used for continuous improvement
• Create a timeline with schedule for the implementation of the program

Question 5

5. Implement the action plan/logic model

Answer 5

• Evaluate progress throughout and make adjustments as needed