The Connecticut Network for Children and Youth (The Network) is a statewide intermediary and advocacy organization that strengthens Out-of-School Time (OST) systems, supports early childhood and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) efforts, and advances policy and practice that expand equitable opportunities for children, youth, and families.
We’ve always been grounded on what children, families, and caregivers need. Founded in 1989 as the Connecticut School Age Child Care Association, we’ve grown and evolved over the years to take on new initiatives while staying true to our core vision of building a Connecticut where children and youth grow up safe, healthy, happy, and well-educated. While 80% of children’s time is spent outside the traditional classroom, we know that focusing all of our efforts on ensuring all kids in our state have access to high quality, affordable after school and summer programs isn’t enough.
With our broader focus on the whole child, we are also spotlighting the fact that children don’t grow up in a vacuum — they are a part of a family, a neighborhood, a school district, a community. It’s the adults in these overlapping circles that care the most about their children and should have the most to say about what opportunities and supports they all need to achieve this vision.
We bring people together through strong local and statewide partnerships to help children, youth, and families thrive.
We are part of the 50 State After School Network, funded in part by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
The Connecticut Network for Children and Youth is the Connecticut Affiliate of the National AfterSchool Association.
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) and its State Affiliates share a mutual purpose and agreement to support, develop, and advocate for Out-of-School Time (OST) professionals and the profession. NAA and its State Affiliates build connectivity among stakeholders and create opportunities for engagement to ensure a vibrant future for the Out-of-School Time profession. OST professionals who are not currently paid NAA members and live in Connecticut, our state affiliation and an Annual Fall Conference registration make you eligible for a free NAA membership. If you prefer, NAA membership may be purchased directly from NAA on a sliding scale from $25 to $150.
