Professional Development

NAA publishes fresh, new content every week covering a wide variety of topics related to the field of aftershool. In addition, NAA offers a variety of opportunities for virtual professional development (PD) through meaningful content, conversations and connections. Click here to see full descriptions of virtual PD offerings.

EAT HEALTHY AND GET MOVING: INCORPORATE HEPA INTO PROGRAM EVENTS

Monday, 04 October 2021 00:00

I often hear that the HEPA standards can be overwhelming: "There are so many of them. How could I possibly implement these on my site?" Yes, there are a lot of them. But one thing to remember is that these are a vital framework—and a way to talk about healthy eating and physical activity components in afterschool programs that move the work forward.

Job Quality - Don’t Wait, Advocate!

Monday, 04 October 2021 00:00

Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about afterschool. The research and stories about the value of afterschool excite me. The dynamic and skilled professionals committed to their work with and for kids in OST inspire me. These feelings propel our team at NAA to do more deep work advocating for and supporting program, organization, public and philanthropic policies, practices, and funding to support quality programs AND job quality for OST professionals. 

Engage With The Ennegram to Beat Burnout

Sunday, 26 September 2021 00:00

Employee burnout is at an all-time high as we are transitioning through and out of the pandemic.  Many places are short-staffed, and well, short-tempered.  Our mental, emotional and physical health have been tested in more ways than we ever thought possible.  We are burning out. Which means returning or even transitioning back into the workplace is a challenge for us all.

Support Student Success Wherever Learning Takes Place

Friday, 17 September 2021 00:00

To accelerate student learning and ignite their natural curiosity, Discovery Education provides an array of no-cost dynamic digital resources supporting learning anywhere. This selection of content, created in partnership with leading corporate and community partners, inspires students to learn together by exploring the world around them. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place.

Building Back Stronger: Using SEL Resources to Enrich Your OST Program

Monday, 13 September 2021 00:00

As out-of-school time providers plan for the new school year, many are looking to social-emotional learning SEL to respond to the needs of children, staff and the communities they serve. The traumatic events of recent years and the COVID-19 pandemic have affected kids, but social-emotional skills—such as community-building, empathy and kindness, and growth mindset—can help children stay resilient. 

Prioritize Yourself! September is Self-Care Awareness Month

Tuesday, 07 September 2021 00:00

As an afterschool professional or leader you are expected to prioritize the wellness of those around you. But how often are you prioritizing yourself? Neglecting your own wellness and putting your self-care on the back burner only does a disservice to those who look to you for leadership. 

Afterschool with LEGO® Education

Thursday, 02 September 2021 00:00

Afterschool and community-based programs require a different mindset than ever before—from the challenge of socially distanced classrooms, to creating engaging learning experiences that build confidence and resilience in person and virtually. 

Stories That Shape Us: Jana Ramsey

Monday, 30 August 2021 15:00

NAA's "Stories That Shape Us" series shines a spotlight on the authentic stories and varying career paths of the afterschool profession. Told from the perspectives of NAA members themselves, each story is unique and highlights the differences but also the commonalities of the dedicated professionals serving youth around the country in out-of-school time today.

Stories That Shape Us: Yolanda Duckworth

Monday, 30 August 2021 14:52

NAA's "Stories That Shape Us" series shines a spotlight on the authentic stories and varying career paths of the afterschool profession. Told from the perspectives of NAA members themselves, each story is unique and highlights the differences but also the commonalities of the dedicated professionals serving youth around the country in out-of-school time today.

Behavior Change, but Not for Kids: The Missing Link to Effective Training

Monday, 30 August 2021 14:40

Would you put a driver behind the wheel of a car alone after a single driving lesson? Probably not!

And while kids' healthy development is the most pressing concern in our field, we often do just this—provide a single training to youth workers and expect them to be ready, from becoming a STEM whiz to being trauma-informed. It may be due to a lack of money or time, and certainly not for a lack of concern. There's simply not enough support for youth work professionals trying to help kids thrive.

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