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This toolkit is a research-based resource for OST leaders, staff, and teams who want to make data-driven decisions as they prepare to implement or change an initiative. Toolkit sections include: (1) learning about readiness; (2) assessing readiness; and (3) using resources aligned to your readiness. It may help to also listen to the February 23, 2023 webinar that is a conversation with field leaders from 4-H, YMCA, and Playworks who have integrated tools into their work. See: https://www.air.org/event/getting-ready-change-out-school-time-new-tools-resources-and-conversation-field-leaders
This issue brief summarizes how afterschool and summer programs can support positive outcomes like relationships and relationship skills, sense of agency, and identify development. It includes links to research. It also poses questions on how we can make sure programs are ready to support recovery and reengagement by understanding what families need, how to tap partnerships, how to support adult educators, and how to balance academics and enrichment. This resource supports the COVID-19 response.
The American Institutes for Research updated their landscape scan of state afterschool networks to find out which states have developed various quality supports. The summary shows which states have or are in process with their quality standards, quality assessment tools, core knowledge and competencies, aligned professional development, credential systems, QRIS, and skill-building initiatives. The resource also includes a summary table.
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 self-assessment tool is designed to help afterschool program staff reflect upon their own social and emotional competencies and how their teaching practices promote the development of social and emotional competencies among youth. It includes a section on action planning for personal and professional improvement.