Research indicates that the key to high quality afterschool programming is hiring staff who  are well-trained, supported, consistent, skilled at building relationships and well-compensated.

Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc. is committed to providing training professional development opportunities for afterschool practitioners in Palm Beach County.  The ultimate goal being to support quality in afterschool programs for children and youth and retention of dedicated and professional staff. Prime Time has also formed partnerships with local training institutions and leading consultants in the field to create a framework for training that educates practitioners on the Core Competencies, practical ways of improving their skills, and provides engaging and interactive environments that are enriched with positive adult support. 

Core Competencies for afterschool practitioners have been created, reviewed and adapted in collaboration with key stakeholders in the community and leading consultants in the field. They identify the knowledge, competencies and skills an afterschool practitioner needs to work effectively with children and youth.

Prime Time has also partnered with Palm Beach Community College to develop and offer coursework that is relevant to afterschool practitioners. Both formal and informal educational pathways are available and include certificate and degree programs. Prime Time offers scholarship opportunities for practitioners who are interested in pursuing degrees or certificate programs relevant to the field. A registry system has also been created to serve as a database that stores information related to an applicant’s training and professional development history.