SEARCH FOR RESOURCES
The Science of Learning and Development (SoLD) Alliance is exploring ways to strengthen systems and support for whole child learning and development. This issue brief highlights three key takeaways and the implications of these findings for afterschool settings: (1) children and youth learn and develop best in relational settings; (2) cultural competence and responsiveness are necessary for equity; and (3) trauma and adversity affect development.
The Path to Quality resource portal provides state system planners with step-by-step guidance and resources to develop quality afterschool systems including information on: (1) designing quality standards, (2) resources and tools aligned to quality standards, and (3) staff supports. It also includes a link to a 50-state afterschool network scan of quality systems updated in 2021 that offers direct links to: quality standards and guidelines, assessment tools, core knowledge and competencies, aligned professional development, credential systems, quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS), and skill-building initiatives.
This toolkit provides guidance and resources for meeting CCDF health and safety training basic requirements as well as best practice. Topics covered include infectious diseases, medication administration, facilities safety, transportation, emergency preparedness, child abuse and maltreatment, and more. While the focus is on early childhood, there are relevant resources for school-age as well, and direct links to resources that can help states develop their basic health and safety training.
This report summarizes findings of a Child Trends survey to learn how states are using the additional federal funds to expand services for eligible children and implement CCDBG Reauthorization requirements. The report includes state by state survey responses as well as maps that indicate how many states are using the funds to increase provider payment rates, meet reauthorization requirements, increase number of children served, or increase income eligibility. There is also information on how states plan to use increased quality set-aside funds.
The QRIS Resource Guide is a tool for states and communities to explore key issues and decision points in creating or revising Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS). There are tabs on components like initial design and implementation, standards, quality assurance and monitoring, and provider incentives and support. Each section includes issues to consider, state examples, and references and resources. The home page also links to state profiles on the QRIS compendium.
The NCASE Out-of-School Time Professional Development System-Building Toolkit was designed to assist states as they build professional development systems inclusive of school-age providers. It also supports states in complying with the provisions of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Final Rule, which are aimed at improving the quality of child care and supporting the early childhood workforce.
A professional development system includes multiple components working together to support the workforce:
• Core knowledge and competencies
• Career pathways – including career lattices, training and technical assistance (TTA), certificates, credentials, higher education, and badges
• Data systems, such as workforce registries
• Strategies for compensation and job advancement
The new OST Professional Development System-Building toolkit is organized into 2 sections: Foundational Ideas and Career Development System Components. It also includes the NCASE Workforce System Development Questionnaire
(This resource supports the COVID-19 response.)
On September 26, 2019, the National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment (NCASE) hosted the first of a two-part webinar series, highlighting promising practices from a recently concluded 10 state Professional Learning Group. Topics included:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- ACEs mitigation strategies: trauma informed care and healing centered engagement
- Culturally responsive practice
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program is the largest federal funding source for child care, with an investment of $8.1 billion in fiscal year 2019. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant also directs funding to the care of children, either directly or through a transfer of some of its funds to CCDF. This brief explores ways that TANF can be used to subsidize the care of eligible school-age children and support Out-of-School Time (OST) program initiatives.
The National Afterschool Association has collected a range of financial planning resources created by the Wallace Foundation that can be helpful for a broad range of nonprofit organizations and also for fiscal management training and college courses. Tools include: (1) the out-of-school time cost calculator; (2) a book on the art of scenario thinking for nonprofits; (3) a template on basic cash flow projections; (4) a funding opportunity assessment tool; (5) an overview on nonprofit accounting basics; (6) a five-step guide to budgeting for nonprofits; and (7) a fixed asset and depreciation schedule.
This toolkit is designed to help early childhood specialists use implementation science approaches in process consultation. The toolkit includes an assessment and implementation drivers' checklist that includes strengths-based questions that a school-age TA professional can use to help create a quality improvement plan for a program. It also includes the Hexagon Tool which can be used to select which program assessment tool or social-emotional framework may best fit with and support school-age program practices.