Do you love afterschool? Proclaim it loudly!

“This year, my Valentine is to a program that makes all the difference for me and for my family,” So began West Valley City, Utah, resident Amanda Owens in her Salt Lake Tribune letter-to-the editor in 2015. The “program” she went on to describe was her son’s afterschool program, run by the Community Education Partnership. […]

Read More

State After School Funding AT RISK

Earlier today Governor Malloy released his proposed budget adjustments for the next two years starting July 1. The state is facing a huge budget deficit of $3.6 billion in the next two years, and the Governor’s proposal includes many proposals to begin to address these problems. What does this mean for after school funding? The Governor’s […]

Read More

Easy Valentine’s activity: Share why your students love afterschool!

This month, we’re celebrating the millions of reasons to love America’s afterschool programs, and we want to see why you and your students love afterschool! Joining in can make for an easy and fun activity for your program in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. We’ve already seen programs in Washington and Alaska invite […]

Read More

Talking Viruses?

We “transmit” information in a variety of ways.  Generally we communicate acoustically; meaning we “talk”. But did you know that communication is also by olfactory (smell), signaling (dog wagging tail), touching, and chemical (ants secreting acid). In the transmission of information you have a sender (or source), a message, a channel, and a receiver (destination). […]

Read More

After School Grants

After-School and Out-of-School Program Grants Deadline: February 8, 2017 The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities is offering awards and grants for after-school and out-of-school programs that “are transforming the lives of young people.” Programs that engage young people in out-of-class time in the arts and humanities are eligible. In particular, programs should […]

Read More

Upcoming February Trainings

Here is a full listing of what is happening in February.

Read More

New Middle School OST Grants – Up to $100k

Thinking about how to support middle school OST? The New York Life Foundation has opened a new Aim High grant opportunity focused on middle school. Aim High will provide $1.95M over three years to middle school afterschool, summer or expanded learning programs serving disadvantaged youth. A total of 18 grant awards will be made nationwide—take […]

Read More

The “Talk”

The Talk: Insights for giving constructive feedback “Do you let your staff dress like that?” an angry parent remarked. You recently met with a concerned parent regarding an inappropriately dressed counselor working a recent “Family Night” event.  After the conversation, you scratched your head wondering how to share the feedback.   When we are in this […]

Read More

Sweat the Small Stuff

Little Details Matter At the age of 15, I started working as a camp counselor at a local community center in Bridgeport, CT.  I was a drill sergeant back then.  My girls stood in a straight line like soldiers and followed my lead, although other counselors struggled to maintain control over their campers.  Having an […]

Read More

SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Confidential Licensing Listening Sessions

The Connecticut After School Network will be hosting confidential listening sessions throughout January 2017. All licensed and exempt after school program providers are encouraged to come and share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas regarding current Office of Early Childhood (OEC) licensing regulations and practices. Responses and attendee list will be kept confidential. Please RSVP to […]

Read More