Resources

Depending on your state and where your afterschool program is located, your program may need to have licensing in order to operate as an afterschool facility. In order to do that, you must know how to communicate effectively with the licensors you will be working with. Here are ten tips to help you do just that:

We know that without structure of some kind, things can go wrong. This notion would definitely be applied to meetings within our workplace as there is so much to talk about, not enough time, and staying on track is hard for some of us. And that is where a written agenda comes in.

There simply isn't enough time in a typical school day for children and youth to learn everything they must know and be able to do for future success in their world of work. We also know that kids learn every minute of the day. So it makes sense, now more than ever before, that all educators—particularly principals and afterschool program leaders—work together to structure students' varied and diverse learning times and experiences in and out of school for maximum effect.

We all know the feeling. We meet someone new for the first time, and for some reason, things between us just "click." Some couples describe this connection as "love at first sight." On a professional level, quick-set connections can negatively or positively affect our experiences and relationships for years.

Kids want to feel safe and cared for both in and out of school. Some children don't receive the loving care they should when they get home so who will be the one who will care for them? You. Take some time and check out these helpful tips for caring for kids in your program and teaching them how to care for others too. 

There has been much discussion recently about Common Core and the impact it could have on student achievement, teacher preparation and school performance. But what impact might it have on afterschool? Or, perhaps I should ask–what impact can afterschool have on Common Core?

No one likes to have that difficult, awkward, and uncomfortable conversation with a staff member who just doesn't seem to get it. If you want to have a productive conversation, you've got to master the art of communicating effectively. 

Increasingly, out-of-school-time (OST) programs—including those that operate before and after school, on weekends and holidays, and during the summer—are integral components of children’s academic and social development.

The best way to get families involved? Get them engaged with what their kids are doing. Gain their interest and make parents feel comfortable with fun and enjoyable family-centered activities.

It's not just about cooperation, its about making every team member feel valued and important. You won't be able to get everything done without a great, solid team helping you along the way. So what do you do in order to build a strong team?