News

The recently released Practice Brief from the National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment (NCASE) highlights considerations for addressing school-age needs in state child care licensing. NCASE reviewed selected states' school-age childcare licensing requirements and emphasized a variety of ways licensing requirements can and should support school-age providers and the youth they serve. This brief offers insights for licensing agencies to consider when focusing on the needs of school-age programs and providers, including:

During the height of the pandemic, feeling unsettled in my OST Director position, I thought about what would change how I felt. After all, the job provided comfort during some of the most trying experiences in my personal life. The organization paid me more than others in OST leadership positions, offering me financial security. The job had a flexible schedule that allowed me time to teach part-time at a community college. Finally, I left the position, exhausted from the mental, emotional, and physical workload. Moving on was difficult, but I know it was the best thing I could have done. It wasn't a higher salary that prompted me to take a different position at a new organization, and a raise wouldn’t have kept me with my former employer. 

From professional development and curriculum planning to supply purchasing and equipment upgrades, there’s a lot to consider when starting a new school year. In this guide, you’ll find top picks from NAA and our valued partners to make it an amazing year!

National Coding Week (September 19 – 23, 2022) is a time to celebrate and promote tech skills and tech education in OST. Are you looking for resources to inspire young people to learn coding skills and highlight the importance of tech?