News
Check out the latest news about NAA and special announcements pertinent to the field of afterschool.
Social and Emotional Learning Evaluation Rubric for Equity & Justice
Thursday, 06 October 2022 17:18For the past two years, the National Urban League (NUL) has been working to change the conversation on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). They hosted a series of listening sessions with more than 50 parents, educators, community leaders, researchers, and others to gather feedback on SEL and other related approaches where people learn, grow, and develop in classrooms and across communities. With support from the Wallace Foundation, NUL worked with over 100 partners, including the Forum for Youth Investment, to co-create new tools that focus on the unique expertise and perspective of marginalized communities and those left out of the traditional education systems. These tools can be used to advance racial equity, justice, and empowerment.
Everyone Can Advocate: How You Can Support the Future of OST
Wednesday, 28 September 2022 17:47Everyone can be an advocate. You don’t have to be a policy expert; all you need is to find your voice and stand up for what you believe in. Every afterschool professional has a compelling story to share. Stories inspire action and advocacy. Stories bring attention to important issues. Stories build an understanding and respect for the OST field. Now is the time to find your voice, use your story, and be an advocate.
EdWeek’s State of Afterschool Programs Report – NAA’s Top 4 Takeaways
Monday, 26 September 2022 09:41The EdWeek Research Center recently produced The State of After-School Programs: Programming Results of a National Survey On Programming During a Pandemic. The report shares the results of the survey, which queried principals and afterschool employees about the types of activities that programs provide, perceptions of pandemic-related changes, and staffing challenges.
Champion Food Security: 3 Fall Weekend Projects
Friday, 23 September 2022 08:53September is Hunger Action Month. Organized by Feeding America, this month is a time to reflect and, most importantly, recommit to taking action to support those in our community facing the impossible decision between having nutritious food and paying for essentials like medicine, housing, or education. Food security and hunger connect to many of the components of the Whole Child Model. To honor this complexity but provide tangible action steps, below are three fall weekend projects that I hope inspire you. I’d love to know which ones you try and what you’d add to this list. Tag me on Twitter using @hatchdw or message me on LinkedIn.
Important Student Loan Forgiveness Program Changes are Here!
Tuesday, 20 September 2022 14:01The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in financial hardship for many, including members of the OST workforce. As a result, you may now be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness for your important public service, even if you were not eligible before.
School-Age Licensing Requirement Needs and Considerations
Monday, 19 September 2022 08:05The recently released Practice Brief from the National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment (NCASE) highlights considerations for addressing school-age needs in state child care licensing. NCASE reviewed selected states' school-age childcare licensing requirements and emphasized a variety of ways licensing requirements can and should support school-age providers and the youth they serve. This brief offers insights for licensing agencies to consider when focusing on the needs of school-age programs and providers, including:
The Free Benefit That Makes People Stay
Monday, 19 September 2022 08:04During the height of the pandemic, feeling unsettled in my OST Director position, I thought about what would change how I felt. After all, the job provided comfort during some of the most trying experiences in my personal life. The organization paid me more than others in OST leadership positions, offering me financial security. The job had a flexible schedule that allowed me time to teach part-time at a community college. Finally, I left the position, exhausted from the mental, emotional, and physical workload. Moving on was difficult, but I know it was the best thing I could have done. It wasn't a higher salary that prompted me to take a different position at a new organization, and a raise wouldn’t have kept me with my former employer.
Fall 2022 Products and Services Catalog Now Available!
Saturday, 03 September 2022 10:35From professional development and curriculum planning to supply purchasing and equipment upgrades, there’s a lot to consider when starting a new school year. In this guide, you’ll find top picks from NAA and our valued partners to make it an amazing year!
Celebrate National Coding Week!
Monday, 22 August 2022 12:11National Coding Week (September 19 – 23, 2022) is a time to celebrate and promote tech skills and tech education in OST. Are you looking for resources to inspire young people to learn coding skills and highlight the importance of tech?
Keeping Kids Healthy and Happy!
Thursday, 18 August 2022 10:19According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 children in the US has obesity. September’s Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is a chance to learn more about strategies OST programs can use to support the health and wellness of youth, families, and communities.
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