Shared Space 101

On-Site Training Module

This module was developed as part of the California Department of Education/Child Development Division School-Age Training Project and was revised in 2017 to incorporate specific language, examples and tips for summer and year-round learning programs.

Out-of-school time programs share space and facilities that are used by other people and for other purposes during the school day.  Learning how to accomplish this in a collegial, congenial way is essential for effective programming. 

In this training participants will:

  • Built skills in developing creative ways to meet the challenges of shared space.
  • Identified some of the challenges associated with shared space.

Content Overview:

T-Charts

Participants look at sharing space from several different viewpoints and record their brainstorming on T-Charts. This will help them to consider different perspectives in dealing with shared space.

SWOT

This activity has participants look at the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats the their program confronts daily as the share space with others at the site. This will allow them to begin making positive changes to their programs in more creative ways.

Shared Space Agreement

Participants will look at how to negotiate, set-up and implement a Shared Space Agreement to create a win/win for all concerned.

Creating An Action Plan

Focuses participants on next steps in sharing space effectively and collegially.

Training Length: 2 hours


eLearning Module

Many out-of-school time programs share at least some of the spaces they use during a program day.

Programs operating in facilities that are used for other purposes during non-program hours have a special set of challenges in creating an effective environment. Four common issues that programs face include:

  • Setting up and taking down materials

  • Creating a pleasant, child-centered indoor environment

  • Creating a safe outdoor environment

  • Working with other groups that use the shared space

Communication about the expectations of the space is vital to creating and maintaining good relationships with the people impacted by the shared space. Tools like the Shared Space Agreement can be used to clarify expectations around space use.

By the end of this module, participants will:

  • Identify some of the challenges associated with shared space.
  • Build skills in developing creative ways to meet the challenges of shared space.