CT After School Network Highlights Accomplishments, Fights for Budget

The work of the Connecticut After School Network was highlighted on CT by the Numbers last week, including a description of our display in the Legislative Office Building corridor in March 2013, and the release of our new report Supporting Student Success in Connecticut: A Blueprint for Expanded Learning Opportunities. Check out their blog post here: http://ctbythenumbers.info/2013/03/18/after-school-network-highlights-accomplishments-fights-for-budget/ 

Storm Sandy and Athena Information

Resources are available to help get your after school programs back up and running after our recent storms at United Way of Connecticut Infoline: http://www.211childcare.org/stormsandy.asp.   You can also call Infoline by dialing 211.  Resources include links to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the CT Department of Public Health (DPH), and a Pre and Post Disaster Insurance Information Summary which is a planning tool for disaster management.

Also located on this site is a link to “Save the Children’s Journey of Hope.” This program is intended to support adult caregivers in the event of an emergency or disaster. Mental Health Professionals are available to come to your program/temporary location (if moved) and work with staff on addressing the needs and feelings of children in the wake of disasters.

The Connecticut After School Network (www.ctafterschoolnetwork.org ) and Connecticut Charts-A-Course (http://www.ctcharts.org/ ) have trainers available to help after school programs and child care centers prepare plans to cope with disasters. 

We hope that you are all well and safe after these events. 

Researchers Say . . . Five Components Are Key to Improving Afterschool Programs

The National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, & Student Testing combed through research findings and program evaluations to develop an improvement model for afterschool programs. The focus is on goals, leadership, staffing, program characteristics, and evaluation.

1. Goals are clear, rigorous, and supported across the program in structure and content. Funding is adequate to support goals.

2. Leadership is experienced, well-educated, has longevity at the current site, uses effective communications, sets high expectations, and has a bottoms-up management style.

3. Staff is experienced, has longevity at current program, relates well to students, models high expectations, motivates and engages students, and works well with leaders, colleagues, and parents.

4. Program aligns to the day school, provides time for students to study, learn and practice; includes motivational activities, frequently uses technology, science and the arts to support youth development, student learning, and engagement.

5. Evaluation uses both internal (formative) and external (summative) methods. Evaluative information and data accurately measure goals; results are applied to continuous program improvement.

Follow this link to read the 15 page report published in Summer 2011: http://www.cse.ucla.edu/products/policy/huang_MAPB_v5.pdf

We were led to this report through free subscription to Y4Y News at
http://y4y.ed.gov. Do check out this wonderful resource.

Summer Meals, Anyone?

Does your summer program provide lunch? You should check out the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program that can help you. This program is administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education - visit their website for more information here: www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2626&q=320658

Connecticut After School Leader Honored as an After School Champion in Nation’s Capital

Dr. Agnes Quinones and Michelle Doucette Cunningham

The National Afterschool Alliance has recognized Dr. Agnes Quinones, Education Consultant for the Connecticut State Department of Education, for her support of after school programs at the tenth annual “Breakfast of Champions,” a gala event in Washington, D.C. Dr. Quinones was one of just nine state champions from around the country honored at the Breakfast on May 17th. The Connecticut After School Network nominated her for the honor.

Dr. Quinones’ work in the policy arena has significantly improved learning opportunities for young people, both during and after school. She was a driving force behind the creation of STEM-focused after school curricula for middle and high schools, and helped to ensure that Connecticut has a sustained investment in science technology, engineering and math (STEM) during after school hours.

“Dr. Quinones is a committed and capable leader who can take a good idea and make it great,” said Michelle Doucette Cunningham, executive director of the Connecticut After School Network. “Her expertise and ability to collaborate have made the critical difference in helping to ensure that after school students have opportunities to learn and get excited about the sciences and math.”

The “Breakfast of Champions” is part of the tenth annual After School for All Challenge sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance, which brings hundreds of parents, educators, children, program directors and advocates from around the country for a series of events and meetings with members of Congress. Following the Breakfast, participants fanned out across Capitol Hill to talk with their members of Congress about the importance of expanding opportunities for kids to engage in STEM activities. This year is the Year of Science in After School.

Kaitlyn O'Leary, Gerald Barrett & Bill Stover stand behind Agnes and Michelle