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REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Eleyo Provides After School Programs With: Ÿ Award-Winning U.S.-Based Support Team Ÿ Dynamic Administrative Reporting Ÿ Self-Service Account Management for Parents Ÿ Accommodating Contract Types Ÿ Automated Late Pickup Fees Ÿ Schedule & Attendance Tracking“In the first three days of using the iPad sign in/out app, we collected over $3,000 in late pickup fees!” - Arizona School DistrictBEST EMERGING EDUCATION The State of After School 2018 Meet Four Rising Stars TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION Grant Funds Gone? How Learn more at eleyo.com to Sustain Your Program Through a Fee-Based Model 5 Things Parents Want in an After School Program

DO YOU KNOW Jeff Webster TABLE OF CONTENTSA RISING STAR? Editor in Chief 4 How to Run Your ProgramNominate them for a feature story! Becky Spurbeck Editor and Proofreader Like a Business Taylor Communications 5 Top 5 Things Parents Want Graphic Design and Publishing from After School Programs Anderson Media Inc. Publishing Consultant 6 Why You Need a Mission Haley Freeman Statement and Core Values Contributing Writer 7 How To Build a Financially Paul Nolan Contributing Writer Sustainable Program Shelly Wagner 8 Rising Star — Robin Garcia Contributing Writer 10 Rising Star — Josh Glider 12 Rising Star — Julie Kinsella Michelle Lee Piña 14 Rising Star — Amy Frey Contributing Writer 17 4 Essential Steps When Buying Program Management Software 18 The State of After School 2018 NOMINATE TODAY Copyright 2018, Persolvent. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Persolvent cannot be held responsiblewww.eleyo.com/nominate for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

HOW TO RUN YOUR 5TOP THINGS PARENTS WANTPROGRAM LIKE A BUSINESS FROM AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMSBY BECKY SPURBECK BY SHELLY WAGNER When it comes to collecting late fees, automation will become Technology makes it possible to get their chaotic schedules. Giving parents for them. Online accounts give parents your best friend. Many programs don’t realize that they’re information immediately. In many ways, flexibility in how often their children the access to make changes 24/7. Plus, ineffective at collecting late fees. Once programs start using it’s simplified our lives. Because we know attend the program helps alleviate the because they don’t need to call the a new process for payment collection and child pickup, they that technology can make things simpler, stress of finding care to fill in the gaps program office to make changes to their realize how much money they’ve been leaving on the table. we expect that convenience everywhere when parents aren’t available. payment methods or emergency contact Having parents electronically sign out their children puts a — including after school programs. info, the program staff is free to focus on timestamp on their signatures. This means applicable late Easy Online Payments children, not paperwork. fees are applied immediately. Parents want after school programs The fewer mindless tasks that busy that help their children succeed parents need to worry about, the better. Caring for children isn’t just about the Secure Your Data academically and socially. But they Give parents the option to set up auto- children; it’s about the parents too. By Before and after school programs have sensitive data on every also need programs that accommodate pay with their debit or credit card. This aligning your program with parents’ student — from bank account numbers to medical information. their crazy schedules. There are five makes paying for child care as easy needs, your program can help more Programs need to ensure they have measures in place to main places parents want simplicity and efficient as paying bills online. As children and improve the community protect that information. from their after school programs. a bonus, this helps ensure that your it serves. program is paid on time, every time.Most departments in the school district don’t generate If you store bank account or medical information on paper or Safety For more resources, please visitrevenue. One of the few exceptions to that rule? Before and in an Excel file, you’re putting your program and its families at Keeping children safe is everyone’s first 24/7 Account Management www.eleyo.com.after school programs. Because of that, it’s important to run risk. This data should be stored in a software program that has priority. And in today’s world, it’s a big for Parentsthose programs like businesses. Learn four ways to help your secure servers and automatic database backups. Both of these job. Safety includes physical safety — Parents want the ability to update theirprogram grow and improve its bottom line. features help mitigate risk. like knowing where children are and information online when it’s convenient ensuring they don’t get hurt. But safetyAdopt Technology Improve Your Reporting Accuracy also includes intangible things. ParentsTechnology makes it possible to give families an easy place to Revenue for before and after school programs must be need to know that the right peopleupdate their information. Online accounts let families change reported to the school district. One way to improve the have access to the right informationtheir billing info, schedules and more. This helps ensure accuracy of those financial reports is to tie payments to a about their children. That means detailsprograms have up-to-date information for their families. budget code. Using a budget code reduces the amount of like emergency contact information, cross-referencing and manual data collection. allergies, and approved pickup peopleHaving parents enter this data online reduces data entry must be up-to-date and easy to find.errors. Data entry errors can result in lost payments or There are several metrics you need to accurately report onoutdated medical information. Plus, when staff aren’t bogged program participation. This includes daily attendance counts, Academic Successdown with data entry, they have more time to develop the check-in and check-out times, and overall enrollment numbers. Getting help with homework is a greatprogram and improve its bottom line. Programs can use this data to accurately budget for and staff perk, but parents also want a program sites. Plus, having easy access to those metrics allows programs that sparks their children’s interest inAutomate Your Finances to understand the fluctuation in attendance and report on learning. Activities in science, technology,Running your program like a business means rethinking the estimated revenue. engineering, art, and math (STEAM)way you manage revenue. Finding ways to automate your daily help ensure children keep learningtransactions can improve your profitability. There are three Running your program like a business doesn’t have to be scary after the school bells ring. Parents wantthings to automate immediately: or overwhelming. You probably already have people in your a program that reinforces what theirŸ A utomatically withdraw payments from your family’s district who have experience in these areas. Build a team, children learn during the day, but lets develop and plan, and you’ll be on your way to implementing them have fun doing it. accounts. This means you’ll spend less time chasing these improvements. parents for payment. Flexible SchedulingŸ A utomatically distribute invoices through a mass For more resources, visit www.eleyo.com. Being part of a global economy can invoicing service to streamline the billing process. mean working different shifts orŸ Automatically collect late fees to avoid leaving money locations. Families need before and after on the table. school programs that accommodate 4 5

WHY YOU NEED A MISSION HOW TO BUILD A FINANCIALLYSTATEMENT AND CORE VALUES SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMBY BECKY SPURBECK BY MICHELLE LEE PIÑA — INDUSTRY CONSULTANTA mission statement and a set of core values create a strong organize the answers. Identify the 5-7 themes that come up Students are engaged. Parents arefoundation where your program can thrive. When they are consistently, and define what each means for your program. appreciative. Staff is amazing. You’vecreated thoughtfully and intentionally, your mission and values Finally, give each value a name or catchphrase that’s appropriate put time into creating your after schoolcan serve as a template when you make decisions. Use them as for your culture. For example, do you want your value to be program and the funding has madea litmus test for everything: “flexible” or “roll with the punches”? Either is fine, as long as it it possible for the program to make aŸ “Does this applicant exude our values?” resonates with your team. positive impact. But what happens if theŸ “Do the proposed program changes support our mission?” funding runs out?Ÿ “Will this decision bring us closer to our vision?” To learn more about writing your core values, do a Google search for, “Core Values: The Secret to Creating a Thriving One way to sustain grant-fundedWhy Does Your Program Exist? Company Culture.” programs is by transitioning to a fee-basedA strong mission statement will help you stay focused, grow your model. Moving to a fee-based model isprogram, and lead your staff. When it’s well-written and succinct, How to Hire — and Keep — the Right People sustainable, but it takes time and planninga mission statement also helps you communicate the value of One of the best ways to build a strong culture is by hiring people to make the switch.your program to parents and stakeholders. who exude your values. Ask questions during the interview share whether candidates will be a good cultural fit. Sample cultural Ask: Do Our Parents and Leaders of students who can be served changes. between the new revenue from fees andHow to Write Your Mission Statement questions include: Support This? The committee leads these conversations. operating expenses, parents may need toWhen you are writing your mission statement, put together Ÿ What type of work environment do you prefer? Before you move to a fee-based model, be surveyed again about their willingnessa committee of parents, staff and stakeholders. Your mission Ÿ What type of management brings out your best work? you need support from two key groups. To be successful, the committee should and ability to pay more.statement should answer three questions: what, how, and why. Ÿ How do your coworkers describe you? The first group is the parents of your include program staff, campus staff,Ÿ What does your program do? program. They must be willing and community members, current partners, Give Your Team Time to PlanŸ How does your program operate? In addition to hiring great people, it’s important to recognize financially able to pay for an after parents, and students. Give your team 9-12 months to researchŸ Why does your program operate? current employees who model your values. Start a recognition school program. and design a sustainable plan. That gives program and invite employees to nominate staff who exemplify Students need to be key members of them plenty of time to present to decisionOf these three questions, the most important is “why.” Why does your values. Many parents choose grant-funded the committee. Some decisions for the makers, adjust the plan, and engage otheryour program exist? That is the most important piece of your programs because they can’t afford other program are based on data, outcomes, teams to bring the plan to life. With themission statement. Once your mission statement and core values are defined, you programs in their communities. Honest and market research. But students are an right champions and team members, all have guidelines about how to act in every situation. Your mission conversations with the parents will help essential part of the program and their aspects of transitioning to a fee-based orTo see examples of great mission statements, do a Google determines how your run your program, and your values you determine if collecting tuition could voices should affect the decisions that blended model will be well-thought-out.search for, “51 Mission Statement Examples from The World’s determine who you hire, fire, reward, and recognize. be a sustainable option. are made.Best Companies.” Finally, implement great technology to The second group you need support Look at Finances and Variables help your program run smoothly. UseWhat Do Your People Have In Common? from is the campus and school district After the work has been done to design technology that was built for before andCore values are the guiding principles of your program. They leaders. Programs are most successful the new program, financial projections after school programs. This helps ensuredefine your culture and outline the characteristics that everyone when there are a few champions within are needed. Often, moving to a fee-based that the tasks you need to do — likeon your team should have. When your core values are clear, they the organization. Having someone help model means having a smaller operating collect tuition and charge late fees — areattract like-minded people to your program. They ensure your navigate the various departments and budget. To accommodate the smaller easy to do. Technology like Eleyo will makeprogram consists of people who will help it grow. approval processes can also help ensure budget, prepare numerous projections your life easier, and parents will love it. you have a smooth transition. that reflect each variable. Change variablesA lack of clarity on your core values can hinder your growth. such as: The process for building a sustainableTeam members who don’t embrace your values can hurt your Build a Team of Staff, Community, Ÿ Tuition rates program takes time, focus, and energy.cause more than help it. However, until your core values are Parents, and Students Ÿ Personnel costs It requires a different level of collaborationdefined, there’s no way of knowing who lives by your values. The second step in moving to a fee-based Ÿ Program offerings and support than just managing a model is creating a committee. The Ÿ Number of students served program. But with the right people inHow to Identify Your Core Values committee will set the mission, vision, place, and with support from parents andWhen you’re writing your core values, get everyone involved. and goals of the new program. Often, Looking at various scenarios can help leaders, you can successfully transitionDon’t write a list of values that you think sounds inspirational. when the funds from a grant run out, the identify gaps in the budget. Create a to a fee-based model. You can create aInstead, get input from your team. Have everyone write answers offerings of the program must change. plan to secure sponsors, donations, or sustainable program for your students.to two questions. “What is important at our program? What Sometimes, the specific activities that are volunteers. Then, if there’s still a gapis unique about working here?” Then, with a smaller group, offered change. Other times, the number 6 7

RISING STAR district employees; and a 50 percent in partnership with the school day.” workers. One enterprising initiative is discount off the standard rate for With a district focus on social and inspiring youth to look at before and ROBIN GARCIA students whose families qualify for free emotional learning for all students, all after school care as a worthwhile career. and/or reduced lunch. Even though the PASAR site managers are trained with “Almost every one of our elementaryA PLACE FOR EVERY CHILD program is structured to be affordable the Momentous Institute, a nonprofit schools has a senior evening, where for all families, it is still able to return a organization dedicated to social and all high school seniors are invited BY HALEY FREEMAN staggering $2 million-plus per year back emotional health services and education, back to their elementary school. It’s an to the district. and sponsored by the Salesmanship opportunity for us to ask how many were Club of Dallas. “We talk with kids about in PASAR and how many would consider PASAR is also exceptional in its inclusion character education and how to work coming back to work in the program, of students with significant special needs. out problems and talk through it. We especially if they will be attending a Garcia commented, “We have taken start with restorative practices which are nearby college. We want them to know that ‘bull by the horns,’ as we say here in especially helpful in supporting children there is an opportunity in this field to get Texas, and we’ve accepted the challenge who have significant behavioral needs.” an education and work up or work with of helping families that haven’t previously significant special needs students.” had care for their children with significant PASAR’s inclusive program creates medical or behavioral needs.” new opportunities for positive social Garcia gives highest praise to her interactions among all children and has “amazing” and “wonderful” colleagues Four years into this inclusion initiative, become the catalyst for many happy who are so dedicated to creating a happy, PASAR is successfully serving and integrating special needs students while We become the bridge between parents continuing to expand programming. and the school to make the experience But it hasn’t always been easy. Garcia of every child a success. admitted, “When we first took on the Robin Garcia challenge, I didn’t sleep for a year. It was friendships. “We like to put special needs productive place for every child. “You Director, PASAR new and scary, like when you bring home children with their same-age peers are only as good as the people working Plano Independent a new baby and you’re worried you’ll whenever possible. Even if it’s only for an beside you,” she said. “All of us work in School District break them. But then I realized, they’re hour, we want them to interact. We want unison to listen to what our children need Texas kids, they’ll be fine. We got through the our special needs kids to feel included, and want, and make it happen. Whenever early challenges and learned what we but we also want children without special possible, we are allowing children to drive“Pasar” is a Spanish term for “passing program is expected to reach a total of 22-year career as a public educator, needed to do to work through it.” needs to feel accepting around someone our program. They are our future.” the time.” In Plano, Texas, roughly 5,200 students during the 2017/2018 she has earned numerous academic who is different.”4,700 Pre-K through 5th grade students school year. PASAR was recently honored credentials and certifications, and According to Garcia, making sure children About PASARare passing the time each day with Plano with the Plano Star Courier Readers’ her experience spans classroom are safe and having fun is what after PASAR offers many opportunities forIndependent School District PASAR Choice, Star Local Media Award for Best teaching, student counseling, school school is all about, and keeping those growth and development through Location: Plano, TXAfter School Care. Operating Monday After School Care. administration, and for the past eight objectives top of mind has made the task extension activities and community District Size: 54,689through Friday, as well as during school years, oversight of PASAR districtwide. of integrating students with special needs partnerships. The Dallas Opera, Texas Program Enrollment: 5,200holidays and summers, PASAR runs at This robust program, staffed by school simpler. While Garcia and her team work Legends basketball team, Innovative Staff: 30046 sites, including 44 elementary school district employees who are either What truly sets PASAR apart is its ability diligently to facilitate learning objectives Athletic Movement and many other Sites: 46campuses, one Head Start and one certified teachers or paraprofessionals, to serve all students in the district. PASAR for individual students, they believe community-based programs providespecial program center. With drop-in thrives under the progressive leadership offers three rates for after school care: imposing formal Individualized Education enriched learning opportunities Program Management Softwareand holiday/summer participants, the of Director Robin Garcia. During Garcia’s a standard rate; a discount for school Programs is not the best approach. for children to build community “Knowing and understanding the child’s connectedness. All PASAR sites ProLogic, TEAMS needs is number one. also embark upon a service-learning project each semester to give back to SIS Software We typically meet with every family of the community. significant needs children before they ProLogic enter the program so we get a feel for Of course, serving 5,000-plus students, how to target their instruction day and including a population with special needs, after school time in the best way. But we creates exceptional staffing challenges. want kids to just be kids, with no label, But in her customary can-do spirit, Garcia and that’s working for us. Some of our is out in the community advocating for students who are not successful during after school and recruiting future the school day are very successful after school. We are able to partner with the school day without putting demands on them. We’ve almost become our own professional learning community working 8 9

RISING STAR Josh Glider, Director of Community Glider is regularly staffing up to 18 hours and coaches to meet the need, but also Education Services for the Kyrene a day. That’s a tall order in an education additional facilities. “We continue to be JOSH GLIDER School District in Tempe, Arizona, has sector that is already grappling with limited by the number of classrooms dedicated his career to working with intrinsic staffing challenges relating to and gyms we have available to runA CAREER THAT MATTERS children. He began his professional modest wages, odd or split work hours, our programs. If I could have anything, journey in early intervention with and a low-profile professional image, it would be a community education BY HALEY FREEMAN children exposed prenatally to drugs among others. Yet he asserted that facility that is mine all the time. It would and alcohol. Propelled by his conviction realizing dreams “starts with the people be a dream come true. Overall, we Josh Glider that serving the needs of children is a we employ, from those who help families are blessed to have lots of access to Director, career that matters, Glider went on to find the right program, to those who resources. We’re very innovative as a Kyrene Community earn an undergraduate degree in family are working on-site, to our program district, and we rarely have a question Education Services studies and child development, and administrators. Everybody has to feel that results in a ‘no.’” Arizona a master’s degree in early childhood they have a place in this organization, education. After holding a post with and to be able to say, ‘My work matters. Glider encourages before and after“We must never lose sight of what Head Start, Glider joined Kyrene I’m part of something bigger.’” school care professionals to remember child development means.” Community Education Services and what matters most. “We must never lose worked his way up through the ranks. Glider is a champion of professionalizing sight of what child development means. 10 “Every step of my career has been an the many work fields in before and It’s about setting up an environment opportunity to make a bigger impact after school care and finding clear where children can explore the world on children’s lives,” he said. opportunities for advancement. “We with adults who facilitate that exploration need to create multiple career pathways through meaningful conversations and Every day, approximately 3,500 children so people can find a home in this activities. It’s about social interactions, participate in Kyrene programs. “We profession without feeling that it’s not and exposure to language, and asking work with kids from 3 years through 8th legitimate. People need to feel that what open-ended questions to invoke a grade, before and after school, evenings, they do matters, and they also need to deeper level of cognitive thought. We weekends and holidays. The majority be compensated. They should be able must push that passion that every one of our programs are Monday through to start in one area and move up to be of us feels to the larger space of our Friday, with more Saturday classes and a teacher or an administrator. We’re not neighborhoods and communities and opportunities opening up all the time. doing day care. We’re not babysitters. rally support for the work we do while It’s all about what the community wants, But to keep costs down, we can’t pay a developing the next generation who will and our vision is to offer out-of-school lot. Our entry level workers, who have continue this work when we have left. time programs 365 days a year, 7 days a the daily responsibility of being with At the end of the day, our mission is to week, 24 hours a day. We also manage children, make the same as someone have a positive impact on the community facility rentals for the district out of this bagging groceries. When we’re trying by supporting students in their lifelong department, which includes renting out to entice someone to choose this field, journey of learning.” fields for youth sports programs and money is off the table. It all comes back space to community groups. These are to the ‘Why.’” About Kyrene public buildings and we want to see them being utilized in ways that are most According to Glider, the “Why” is passion. Location: Tempe, AZ beneficial to the community.” “I think if people would look at what District Size: 17,386 takes place outside the normal school Program Enrollment: 3,500 Glider’s unfailing belief in the importance day as just as important as what takes Staff: 150 of before and after school care inspires place inside the classroom, more would Sites: 26 him to see beyond limitations to want to be part of it. Someone might not innovative solutions. He is the upbeat know what their passion is, but when Program Management Software leader of a team he described as “never they are introduced to this work, they satisfied with the status quo.” We’ve set may realize this is something they could SIS Software a high standard for all the programs do for the rest of their professional lives. we have, and we’re always looking for If we can do a better job of introducing Edupoint the next big thing. With a mindset of people to the profession and providing continuous quality improvement, we’re opportunities, we can help them discover always asking, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if?’ that passion.” What drives our work is a desire to have a place for every child in the community Kyrene is launching preschool programs who wants to come. So we outline the at the rate of 2 to 3 per year, and things we want to do, along with the intramural sports programs for third challenges, and we start chiseling away through fifth grade students are also at them. Before long, the dream growing rapidly. Glider said he has the becomes a reality.” kids, but now he needs not only the staff 11

RISING STAR Club Care is a before and after school throwing education in with fun. For Minnesota Youth Work Institute, who is program for kindergarten through example, if we’re doing a cooking project overseeing Club Care’s implementation JULIE KINSELLA 5th grade students in the Eastern Carver and someone is struggling with math, we of a Youth Program Quality Assessment County Schools in Minnesota. Under can get it in there without the child even (YPQA) tool designed to enhance youth- CREATING A SPACE OF the guidance of Child Care Specialist realizing it. Their interest is sparked, and centered programs and interactionsCONTINUOUS LEARNING Julie Kinsella, Club Care is seamlessly they’re learning at the same time.” between staff and students. Such focused bridging experiences inside and outside staff development is helping to establish BY HALEY FREEMAN the classroom to create a space of Kinsella and her staff are also building out-of-school time care providers as continuous learning. relationships with parents to create experts who are vital to the social and “We can proactively Julie Kinsella a more fluid learning experience for academic success of children. “We like to connect parents Child Care Specialist, Kinsella is a Minnesota native who began children. “Teachers generally don’t get to hire people with a child care background,” Club Care her career as an elementary educator in see parents every day, but we do. We can Kinsella explained, “but some come toand teachers for the Eastern Carver County California. When she returned home to proactively connect parents and teachers us from other fields and decide this is benefit of the child.” Schools Community Minnesota in 1998, she took an interim for the benefit of the child.” what they want to do instead. They go get Education job in before and after school care while education degrees so they can come back 12 Minnesota searching for a permanent teaching Kinsella believes that giving students a and take a more active role.” position. That’s when she discovered her voice in the process is also important. “I true passion as an educator. “I realized feel like we’ve come so far in the last year As the local community grows, so does I had a unique opportunity to work with in improving our program quality. We’re demand for Club Care. There is a wait list kids on a more personal level and to build really working on engaging with children to get into the program, and along with it long-term relationships with them and instead of just supervising them — we a need for more staff and more program their families,” she said. Kinsella has since want to get that kid voice in our program. space inside district schools. held positions in before and after school We spread out in the buildings as much programs in four school districts in the as we can to do different activities that Busy as Kinsella may be, she never Twin Cities metro area, culminating in will stimulate the interest of any child. loses touch with her primary purpose. her current role. And if kids come to us with an idea we can “I visit each site at least once a month add, we use that kid voice in developing to observe and meet with the Out of Club Care operates on-site at all eight activities they will enjoy. We want them to School Time Supervisor. I’m involved elementary schools in the district have fun while they’re here and contribute with the kids the whole time I’m out beginning at 6:30 a.m. each day until to their overall positive feelings about there, and it’s wonderful to see them school starts, and again when school school and learning.” learning and having fun. I think people dismisses at 6:00 p.m. Currently, Club inside and outside the education Care is operated by 50 staff and serves Like most before and after school care field are just beginning to realize how 750 students. During the summer, Club program administrators, Kinsella faces important before and after school Care also provides all-day programming, the daily challenge of recruiting and care is to students and their academic including a special offering for middle maintaining the quality staff she needs to performance. We haven’t developed a school students, The Pulse. serve her student population. Since Club way to track it yet, but it’s coming.” Care working hours are often not ideal, By being on-site at schools and promoting with split shifts spanning early morning About Club Care meaningful communication with and afternoon hours, Kinsella is using administrators, faculty and staff, Kinsella many methods to attract eligible workers. Location: Chaska, MN and her team are effectively aligning “One of the most important aspects of District Size: 9,475 before and after school programming our program is the dedication of our staff. Program Enrollment: 750 with academic curricula to reinforce They are high-quality individuals who Staff: 50 classroom learning objectives. “By want to be there for our kids, and the Sites: 8 building those relationships, we can safety of our children is always number help kids continue learning in unique one. We have a lot of staff who work at Program Management Software ways. We have an Out of School Time the school during the day and also work Supervisor at each site who is there for us before or after school. Those staff SIS Software during the middle part of the school day who work a split shift can get paid an to check in with teachers and principals additional amount for working both. In Infinite Campus and build relationships. addition to individuals with backgrounds in education, we recruit both college We can make sure the work teachers are students and retired seniors who may be doing is following right through to our looking to work a few hours a day.” program. Since we have more one-on- one time with kids, we can find out where Currently, Kinsella is working with individual kids need help and make that Deborah Moore, Youth Programs a priority. I’d say we’re really good at Coordinator at the University of 13

RISING STAR Minneapolis, Minnesota is a community “In Minneapolis, if you work 20 or more can cooperatively meet the needs of each known for pioneering social hours per week, you’re eligible for a full child during the whole day.” AMY FREY advancement. In 1972, Minneapolis Kids benefits package, so we have good success (Mpls Kids) began as a “latch key” program at retaining our staff who work each day Collaboration begins with buildingCREATING AN INCLUSIVE serving 30 children. Today, Mpls Kids has from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We also do consensus between families and EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS grown to serve over 2,200 children ages outreach to college students, since we can educators. But Mpls Kids takes it a step 5 to 12 who are enrolled in High Five/ be flexible with their class schedules. Our further by inviting regular input from both BY HALEY FREEMAN kindergarten through 6th grade in 22 social media postings have been effective parents and students. Frey explained, schools. The program operates before at getting individuals in the door.” “We have a Parent Advisory Council and Amy Frey school, after school and on non-school a Youth Advisory Council. Each location Manager, Minneapolis Kids days, including summers. In keeping with MAAP standards and has a representative and we meet with Minneapolis Public Schools to further offset staffing challenges our parent representatives four times Minnesota Amy Frey, Program Manager for Mpls relating to quality and commitment, Frey during the school year for feedback on Kids, is continuing the legacy of innovation invests heavily in staff development. “We best practices, to get deeper into policies“We need to make sure this is seen and social leadership begun more than a have a staff member who focuses only and what they are hearing at the sites. Ouras a profession that is valued and generation ago. As a college student with on development. We offer 40 hours Parent Advisory Council plays a large role a goal of becoming a special education of education in our organization, not in reaching out to the community we are respected in our society.” teacher, Frey began working part time including other opportunities like MnSACA serving and getting other supporters in our in school-age care. The flexible work conferences for which we will pay for corner, including teachers. We also do a 14 hours and opportunity to gain practical both fees and time for our staff to attend. lot around the youth voice. We’re child- experience in an education-based setting This is a place where people can come directed as much as anything else. We were a good fit at the time. But what began on board, and we will grow them. I think even have a youth curriculum plan sheet as a means to an end, soon became a there will be great opportunities in this so they can help create activities around new calling. “I saw the value in being able field going forward as we’re starting to their interests.” to develop your own curriculum and tie see how important after school time is. into the social aspect to devise an inclusive Student attendance improves when they Frey sees a bright future for the field of experience for kids.” Frey holds a master’s are looking forward to out-of-school time before and after school care. “We have degree in special education, and today activities. Children are also able to build many of our students for six or seven she is blending her professional passions soft skills that are often missed during the years. We get to see them grow, and we to create an exceptional out-of-school school day but are vital to future success.” become a family. Having consistent staff time environment. who are getting to know them better than Mpls Kids also shines in the area of their teachers is one of the missing pieces Mpls Kids stands apart from other before inclusion. Still a passionate advocate of when developing a child. We need to make and after school programs for three special education, Frey sees before and sure this is seen as a profession that is unique features: accreditation, inclusion after school as a time to facilitate respectful valued and respected in our society.” and collaboration. conversations about differences and help kids build community. “Back in the About Minneapolis Kids Mpls Kids is accredited by the Minnesota day, we had staff dedicated just to special Afterschool Accreditation Program needs. Kids were not always experiencing Location: Minneapolis, MN (MAAP), a state-approved certification the program as a whole and getting an District Size: 36,370 developed by the Minnesota School-Age opportunity to see where they could fit in Program Enrollment: 2,200 Care Alliance (MnSACA) to promote quality and what they could do independently. Staff: 175 programming for school-age and after There will always be children who need Sites: 22 school care. MAAP not only provides a that kind of support, but our focus is framework for program standards and to help kids with special needs to be Program Management Software outcomes, it also furnishes a context for independent and part of the population the ongoing evaluation and development with other kids who understand their SIS Software of school-age and after school care needs and can help, as well.” professionals, resulting in a better-trained Education Solutions Development Inc. workforce and lower attrition. Lindsay Anderson, Program Specialist of Inclusion, has spent the last two years Mpls Kids currently staffs about 175 focused solely on strategies for creating a workers, all of whom are employees of the universally embracing learning and social Minneapolis Public Schools and must meet environment. She said, “We’re reaching the district’s minimum hiring standards. out to families to learn about each child’s Some are support professionals who work needs, what are their challenges, and what within the Minneapolis Public Schools they excel at so we can create the best part time and round out their workday experience for them. We reach out to the by taking extra hours in the program. school staff, as well, and figure out how we 15

RECEIVE 4 ESSENTIAL STEPSMORE WITHNAA. WHEN BUYING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SOFTWAREJOIN TODAY AS AN BY SHELLY WAGNEREXECUTIVE MEMBER. If you’re thinking about buying program management software, programs. You should do this twice — before you release a When you elevate your experience with NAA and make a difference as an Executive- it’s probably because something isn’t working with your current solicitation and as part of the solicitation process. This helps level member, you’re taking a step that will directly impact your profession and the process. Buying software can be overwhelming and it’s hard ensure you develop specifications that already exist. Plus, it success of your program. For only $99, receive an entire year of exclusive tools and to know where to start. Here are four tips to make the will give you a better understanding of all the capabilities of process easier. the software. resources (a $550 value) specifically designed for Afterschool professionals: Access to complimentary eBooks, Webinars and Podcasts Ask What Your People Want Start Bidding Print & Digital Subscriptions to AfterSchool Today magazine Have you heard complaints from your staff or your students’ After you’ve seen a few demos and get prices from vendors, Discounts on Materials & Supplies parents? If so, it’s probably because their needs aren’t being you’ll have a better sense of which software will be the best met. Make a list of the requests you’ve heard and divide the list fit for your program. From there you might need to solicit Special Rates for Annual Convention & FREE Virtual Convention into needs and wants. Needs are things that are critical to the proposals from vendors through the Request for Proposal Leadership Opportunities success of your program. Wants are things that seem too good (RFP) process. If you prepare an RFP, it’s important to create to be true or might be expensive to implement. a bid team that includes multiple stakeholders. Your bid team Insurance Benefits ... AND MORE! should include site staff and program coordinators to make Research Software Programs sure your requirements meet everyone’s needs. As you work JOIN TODAY at naaweb.org! If it’s been a few years since you’ve looked at child care on the RFP, make sure you understand distribution methods — software, you may not know what’s available. Websites like specifically, whether to post on your school district’s website INSPIRE. CONNECT. EQUIP. Capterra (www.eleyo.com/capterra) are a great place to do or a third-party bid site. research. Capterra is free and provides comprehensive reviews of business software. You can also ask other school districts Before you make a final purchasing decision, ask the company what software they use or recommend. for testimonials and references. Talk to other customers to understand the level of support and training that the software Request a Demo company provided. You want a strong partnership with the The best way to understand how software works is to see it in software company for the life of the product, not just until action. You can do this by asking for a demo of the available you sign their contract. 17

THE STATE OF in after school can explore activities that may light a passion for communication tool or for play,” says Warner. “If we’re going toAFTER SCHOOL 2018 something they never knew they enjoyed. It could be drama, create digital citizens, we need to take advantage of technology music or something with technology.” as a resource for learning not just in school, but in after schoolAn interview with Gina Warner — President of the National Afterschool Association as well. It’s more than just getting connected and getting devices Closing the Digital Divide in the hands of after school instructors or kids. It really startsBY PAUL NOLAN Speaking of technology, Warner and other after school with a vision about what technology can bring to your program. professionals are focused on providing increased access to We’re creating an online tool kit with Google aimed at helpingA growing economy means “It was a huge wake-up call for us as leaders at the national level, digital learning tools to children enrolled in their programs. after school professionals bring more and better digital learningincreased reliance on after but also for people working in programs, to understand the Studies show a large percentage of students from low-income opportunities to their students. “school programs. A leading research that shows how these programs improve children’s households lack internet connection and other technologicaladvocate says after school academic performance, their social skills and their behavior tools necessary to complete much of today’s school workload, After school’s Growing Importanceprofessionals are ready for in and out of school. We need to be really clear about that particularly homework assignments. The robust economy has seen more parents return to thethe challenge. and speak confidently about it. In doing that, we are doing the workplace which increases their reliance on after school everyday advocacy that is needed to support these programs.” “To be prepared for the careers of the 21st century, students programs. Warner embraces the growing need.Spring 2017 was an uneasy time for must learn to be critical users of digital content. Yet compared to Warner was named president and CEO of NAA in June 2012. their more affluent peers, low-income students are more likely “The great value of after school is we are a bridge to families in aGina Warner and her team at the The organization has more than 22,000 members nationwide, to be simply digital consumers rather than producers,” states a way that schools are not. As a parent, I put my daughter on a bus including after school program directors, coordinators, sponsors, report from NAA entitled “Empowering Afterschool Professionals in the morning but I pick her up from an after school program.National Afterschool Association (NAA). Gina Warner frontline staff, school leaders, community leaders and more. Its For Digital Learning.” “Without opportunities to engage actively That’s the case with many parents. It’s the after school staff thatDespite what Warner says are “reams stated mission is to foster development, provide education and with digital learning, these students will not have the chance parents see at the end of each day and year after year.” encourage advocacy for the out-of-school time community. to develop the skills needed to succeed in post-secondaryof evidence” that after school programs help children both in education and work, including creativity and innovation.” Eventually, all thoughts return to funding. Warner hopes to see “We need to help people understand that learning is more than increased support from local sources. “Mayors, police chiefs andand out of the classroom, President Trump’s proposed budget academics,” Warner says, pointing to a 2015 report by education In November, NAA announced it is receiving a $500,000 grant elected officials are great advocates for after school programs specialists Bob Lenz and Sally Kingston that between first and from Google to support the integration of technology into after because they recognize how these programs improve the qualitycompletely eradicated the $1 billion 21st Century Community 12th grade, students spend less than 20 percent of their waking school learning programs in order to close this digital divide. of life for their entire community. As we continue to bring a hours in school. “It’s a whole child approach. We are trying to diverse level of partners together, we’re going to see increasedLearning Centers (21st CCLC) grant, which supports before- and teach kids how to be great citizens — reinforce the value of “Kids are digital natives and they can’t fathom lives without growth. We’ll find people who have access to other investments what we call social and emotional learning in kids. Employers tell technology. Our challenge in after school is to help kids use saying they want to invest in after school programs because ofafter school programs. us every day how important emotional intelligence is and after technology to enhance their learning — and not just as a the positive impact it can have on kids.” school is a great place for that to happen.”Fortunately, Congress stepped in and took the buzzsaw out ofthe president’s hands, funding the grant program for another Who Is Being Servedyear at about $1.1 billion. (At press time, Congress had not According to the Afterschool Alliance, another nonprofitapproved a 2018 budget.) advocacy group for after school programs, 10.2 million children participate in after school programs each year throughout theLosing the grant “would have been devastating for our field United States. Nearly one-quarter (23 percent) of all elementaryand for families,” says Warner, CEO and president of the NAA. school students participate in an after school program, as do“Because it focuses on communities of need, it really would have 19 percent of middle school students, and 12 percent of highset back a lot of the advancements that we have made. The good school students.news is Congress heard from many of their constituents who areparents and those working in the field. But it will continue to be a Across all after school programs, 45 percent of enrolled studentsfight every year.” are from low-income households. The federally funded 21st CCLC program alone serves more than 1.6 million students inAlthough there are numerous sources of federal, state and grades K-12, more than two-thirds (67 percent) of whom areprivate funding for after school programs, the 21st CCLC from low-income families.grant is the largest federal funding stream solely dedicatedto after school. Warner says the mix of study and play that after school programs offer introduces children to new worlds they might notMore Funding Battles Ahead otherwise encounter. “A child has a more prescribed day duringWarner says a main objective of NAA in 2018 and beyond is the school day in order to meet state academic guidelines. Kidsto increase awareness of the positive impact that after schoolprograms have on the communities they serve. The upside ofthe budget scare, she says, is that it reinforces the need for afterschool professionals, other education partners in the field andthe parents of children these programs serve to arm themselveswith proof that after school programs provide too many benefitsto cut funding. 18 19