Click2SciencePD offers customized services for afterschool programs. Expert staff developers consult with your program to create, implement and evaluate a training plan that develops skills—leading to program improvement. Research recommends targeted training for staff to improve the quality of STEM learning opportunities in afterschool programs. Additionally, program staff who have professional development are more confident and satisfied with their jobs.

The Click2Science blended model of professional learning includes virtual and in-person experiences that incorporate hands-on learning, reflection on practice, videos of skills-in-action, best practices, and supporting resources. Research indicates that Click2SciencePD also improves program quality, as measured by Dimensions of Success.

What do site directors say about Click2SciencePD?

One site director said Click2SciencePD opened the staff's eyes to see what they were doing and how they were interacting with kids.

"So many times, staff take a training and it's the theory of STEM. ... I felt Click2Science provided them with actual skills. This is an example of someone in a tinker room asking purposeful questions."

Program staff agreed and thought Click2SciencePD's workshop was helpful.

"I think it was really good to have us go through an example lesson; I think you should definitely leave that in the workshop," one staff member said. "Helping us talk and think through questioning was good! I really appreciated your emphasis on helping students reflect."

Does training change what staff do? Research says it does.

"I have a background in STEM and was talking to kids like 'this is the biology part of this.' ... Since these trainings, I have shifted to focus on the problem-solving," said another staff member. "I think, for the most part, it keeps them better engaged."

Learn how Click2Science can work within your budget to develop a solution that meets your needs.

Written by Saundra Wever Frerichs, Science Education Specialist at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln @SaundraFrerichs.

Photo courtesy of Click2Science.