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 […]

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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). […]

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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 […]

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Upcoming February Trainings

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

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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New to the Game

Tips to Build Rapport with Students for New After-School Educators Are you a new after-school educator? If so, you might feel like an outsider.  You might witness sincere interactions between staff and students while wondering how to foster those types of relationships yourself.  Being your natural self is one of the best ways to interact […]

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CT Research Highlighted in Fall 2016 Afterschool Matters Journal

For over a decade, afterschool programs have been positioning themselves as viable partners in student learning. After all, afterschool programs challenge students’ thinking, teach collaboration, and help children and youth find their passion. In the latest issue of the field journal Afterschool Matters, Director of Professional Development and Research at the Connecticut After School Network, […]

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