SEARCH FOR RESOURCES
This 2023 issue of the Afterschool Matters journal is focused on the OST workforce, specifically, findings from interviews that were part of the Power of Us Workforce Survey. This survey was part of a research study designed to gather data about the experiences of youth-serving workers in a wide range of fields, with the goal of helping communities better understand the youth-serving workforce and ways to help it thrive. The journal explores the insights of professionals in the youth fields on critical issues: community institutions, summer, entry points and recruitment, compensation, career pathways, and recommendations. This resource supports equity.
This brief 15-minute webinar provides an overview of what trauma is, the common responses to and symptoms of trauma at different ages, and data on numbers of youth who have experienced trauma. It includes recommendations for bringing trauma-informed practices into OST settings that can serve as a checklist and reminders for afterschool and summer staff. Resources are provided. This resource supports resiliency.
This blog by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time highlights what their research staff learned this past summer about high-quality practices in virtual programs based on conducting observations of more than 200 hours of online academic and general enrichment programming. The focus is on tips for activity design, youth engagement, and technology. This resource supports the COVID-19 response.
Coaching is one of the most effective ways to support staff and to improve program quality. With its focus on relationships, strengths-based practices, communication, and coaching strategies like reflective practice and building leadership capacity, this guide could be very helpful for leaders of programs in any stage of development. It could be useful, for example, to new or expanded essential service programs as well as for coaches that are supporting programs as they focus on re-opening after the corona virus outbreak. This resource supports the COVID-19 response.
Through a survey, this research study explored what Out-of-School Time (OST) program staff need in order to feel better prepared to support the inclusion of school-aged children with special needs in their programs. Results indicated that professional development on inclusion is key to success. These findings can inform policy and programmatic decisions on professional development.
This report discusses the components of strong continuous quality improvement systems, emphasizing ways to safeguard and sustain such systems. It shares lessons learned from afterschool quality system leaders who took part in a multi-year Wallace-funded initiative for cities. A companion self-assessment tool is designed to help system builders identify action steps for strengthening CQI system.
This website provides links to all issues of Afterschool Matters, a national, peer-reviewed journal aimed at practitioners who develop and manage youth programs, as well as researchers and policymakers. The journal is published two to three times a year; each journal is 48-60 pages. Articles on almost any topic related to school-age care are available here.