News

Check out the latest news about NAA and special announcements pertinent to the field of afterschool.

School-Age Licensing Requirement Needs and Considerations

Monday, 19 September 2022 08:05

The 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 08:04

During 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 10:35

From 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 12:11

National 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 10:19

According 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.

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish!

Thursday, 18 August 2022 10:18

Working in the OST field means taking care of youth, families, and communities. But how can you be expected to take care of those around you if you aren’t taking care of yourself? Self-care means taking the time to do things that help will help both your physical and mental health.

Stay With Me

Wednesday, 03 August 2022 19:04

All too often, employers are asking questions that could help retain a valued employee after the employee is already out the door.

Calling In a New Booklist

Wednesday, 03 August 2022 19:02

I recently got into an argument with a white cis male Linkedin business "influencer" about the booklist he released that, amongst the over 100 titles, included almost no women or BIPOC authors. Of course, his responses were defensive: "I read what comes across my desk." Agh.

The First Round of ESSER Funding is Ending on September 30th. Are You Ready?

Tuesday, 02 August 2022 10:05

Millions of dollars are being pumped into school and out-of-school time (OST) programs by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund, allowing those programs to make enormous headway into addressing learning loss caused by the pandemic. Schools are tasked with ensuring that all students, both in classrooms and in out-of-school time programs, can access effective learning as well as have support for social, emotional, and mental health needs. Specific to afterschool, it addresses planning and implementing activities related to supplemental afterschool programs and summer learning enrichment to address learning loss. 

Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Hiring and Staff Development in OST

Tuesday, 26 July 2022 14:22

Over the last 20 years, Out-of-School Time (OST) has progressed with research, practice, and policies related to program quality, yet workforce stability, recruitment, and retention of direct-service workers continues to be a challenge. The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) recently launched the Thriving Out-of-School Workforce Initiative focused on creating a strong and valued profession. In talking about the initiative, Angelica Portillo, NAA’sDirector of Advocacy and Workforce Initiatives, shared, "Moving this invaluable workforce forward is necessary for upholding our commitment to equity, access, and quality."

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