January 2019
STEM Lesson Planning Training
Are you looking for a good STEM lesson planning framework for your program? The Dimensions of Success (DOS) Tool, developed by the PEAR Institute at Harvard University, provides a strong framework for creating high quality STEM lesson plans that covers all aspects of an activity - from materials, to engagement, and STEM knowledge and practices. For more information on DOS, visit the PEAR website.

To best utilize this tool, it is recommended that you become certified as an observer. The Iowa Afterschool Alliance is always looking for trained observers for STEM projects to measure the quality of activities. You can also train only on the program planning tool, as well, which requires a smaller commitment of time than the observer certification.

Certification Training
January 23rd- 24th, 2019; 10am-4pm ET
February 13th-14th, 2019; 10am-4pm ET
March 20th- 21st, 2019; 10am-4pm ET
**Please note our February training is almost full, but there is still space in January.
 
Recertification Training:
February 28th, 2019; 12pm- 4pm ET
 
Program Planning Tool Training:
March 5th, 2019; 12pm- 3pm ET
Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DoS_PPT_Training_Registration

If you are interested in any of these trainings or want more information on DOS, please contact Michelle Rich at mrich@sppg.com.   
From "A Nation at Risk" to "A Nation at Hope"
Today's release of "From a Nation at Risk to a Nation at Hope" from the Aspen Institute National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development   is a report filled with profound hope on how we can foster in our children the knowledge, skills, and character to make better lives and a better country.

W hereas President Reagan's 1983 landmark report, "A Nation At Risk," painted a bleak picture of our nation 's education system, today's report highlights the optimistic vision that is driving more attention to students' social, emotional, and academic development .
 
The report is divided into three sections, highlighting the research base and need; recommendations to implement social, emotional , and academic development; and practical steps for stakeholders to join the movement.   
  • Chapter 1outlines how learning happens, provides evidence confirming that learning has social, emotional, and cognitive dimensions that are inextricably linked, and makes the case for why it should be a priority in all schools.
  • Chapter 2 o
    utlines six recommendations for action to accelerate efforts and help local communities address young people's comprehensive development.
  • Chapter 3 describes six key levers that can move us forward, and the role that everyone can play to accelerate a movement to educate the whole learner.
To engage in the campaign to raise awareness of this report, its findings, and the resulting calls to action, visit the report's communications resources page.  
Conscious Discipline Training in Eastern Iowa
Several afterschool programs will host a Conscious Discipline training on March 21 and 22, 2019 in Clinton, Iowa. Velda McKenzie, a Conscious Discipline trainer specializing in afterschool programming, will facilitate the workshop. The cost for the two-day training is $135 per person. The training will be located at the Clinton Schools Administration Center.

Registration is open online. For more information about this training, please contact Loras Osterhaus of Clinton Schools at losterhaus@clintonia.org.
Host an AmeriCorps Member this Summer!
The IAA has received a grant from Volunteer Iowa to support a large portion of the cost of hosting an AmeriCorps Member or team of Members in summer 2019.

What the Summer Ladders AmeriCorps Member Will Do:

The AmeriCorps Members will develop high quality lesson plans for the host program utilizing the Dimensions of Success (DOS) framework ( www.thepearinstitute.org/dimensions-of-success). The AmeriCorps Member will also be responsible for implementing activities they have developed with high-need youth in your program. The Member is expected to serve a total of 300 hours over the summer.

Cost to Host a Summer Ladders AmeriCorps Member:

The cost share to host a Member (the amount the host site is responsible to pay for each Member) is $1,481 for the entire 2019 summer (300 hours of service). This calculates to a cost to the program of just $5 an hour!

Each Member will receive a living allowance of $3,333 over the summer. The remainder of the cost per Member is covered by the Volunteer Iowa grant.

The Iowa Children's Museum serves as the employer-of-record for each AmeriCorps Member. That means the host site is not responsible for FICA or Worker's Compensation. Each Member tracks their own time using a common time tracking system provided through the grant.

What We're Looking for in Host Sites:
  • Ability to supervise the AmeriCorps Member, including coaching and mentoring to meet program goals; discipline; and role modeling good collaboration, communication, and leadership.
  • Provision of strong staff orientation to the program, as well as on-going professional development throughout the service period.
  • Commitment to evaluation.
  • Commitment to ensuring a good Member experience.
To gauge interest in hosting an AmeriCorps Member or team of Members, the IAA asks interested programs to complete a short online survey at https://www.research.net/r/SummerLadders19Interest. An answer of "No" on any question is not necessarily disqualifying. Please answer according to your best knowledge at this time.

For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Michelle Rich at mrich@sppg.com.
Call for Presenters Now Open for Impact 2019
Impact After School Conference logo Each year, hundreds of afterschool professionals from across Iowa come together in Des Moines in April for two days of learning and networking at the Impact After School Conference. We rely on Iowa educators and organizations to provide a high quality conference. Please consider submitting a proposal for a workshop! One presenter receives a free conference registration worth up to $200.

We are looking for workshops on the following topics:
  • Support for Behaviors
  • Inclusion and Equity
  • STEM, especially math enrichment
  • Literacy
  • Evaluation/Data Tracking
  • Administration
  • Fundraising
  • Parent Engagement
  • Community Partnerships
  • School Alignment
  • Social and Emotional Learning
  • College & Career Readiness
  • Advocacy
  • Leadership - Adult and Youth
We are open to other topics, as well. To submit a workshop proposal online, please visit https://www.research.net/r/19ImpactPresent.
Showcase Youth at Impact
The Impact After School Conference wouldn't be the same great event without youth! We are looking for individual youth or groups of youth to perform at the conference over lunch on Thursday, April 25, 2019. Past performances have included presentations, poetry, breakdancing, and singing. We are open to any ideas to incorporate youth accomplishments and voice into programming. The Iowa Afterschool Alliance covers mileage to transport youth to the conference.
 
To submit your ideas for youth engagement, please follow this link: https://www.research.net/r/19ImpactYouth .
Nominate an Afterschool Champion or Star Today!
Each year the Iowa Afterchool Alliance celebrates contributions of individuals, organizations, and youth in the field of afterschool programming through the Afterschool Champions and 21CCLC Stars Awards. The following awards are now open for nominations:
  • Advocate of the Year
  • Afterschool Innovator
  • Collaboration Award
  • Principal of the Year
  • Friend of Afterschool Award (Policymaker)
  • Outstanding Afterschool Students
  • 21CCLC Literacy Improvement
  • 21CCLC STEM Achievement
  • 21CCLC Youth Community Contributions
  • 21CCLC Attendance
  • 21CCLC All Around
Self-nominations are allowed. For detailed descriptions of each award and to submit nominations, please follow this link: https://www.research.net/r/19ChampionsandStars.
Save the Date! Afterschool Snack at the Capitol
Save the afternoon of Tuesday, February 12 for the Afterschool Snack at the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines. Each year, the IAA hosts advocates and legislators for a "get-to-know-you" event spotlighting great afterschool programs across the state. Please join us and bring youth! IAA staff will be on hand to help you meet your legislator and tell them about all the good things you are doing back home!

When: Tuesday, February 12, 2019; 2-4 p.m.
Where: Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines
What to expect: Legislators are invited to attend and show up anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. in the legislative dining room. IAA staff are on hand to help you tell legislators about what you do to support youth every day back home.

For more information about this event, please contact Britney Samuelson at bsamuelson@sppg.com.
Follow IAA on Facebook for Latest Updates
Facebook Follow the Iowa Afterschool Alliance on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iowaafterschoolalliance for the latest updates on the Every Student Succeeds Act (formerly No Child Left Behind), PD opportunities, IAA activities, and grant opportunities. Expect an update on an issue of interest every day! You can also follow us on Twitter by following @iowaafterschool.
Professional Development Opportunities
Apply Today for Free Professional Development
Apply to bring in the Iowa Afterschool Alliance to train your staff and/or partners on a number of topics ranging from STEM to sustainability planning. Pick from a  menu of topics for one training with options for online or in-person training.  Apply online by July 31, 2018.

Out of School Time Professional Development Center
The Out of School Time Professional Development Center provides Out of School Time training to OST professionals. The classes provide in-depth curriculum and certificates.  If you or your staff are interested in signing up for courses visit the  Out-of-School Time  website . Check out the entire course catalog here
 
Great Content on Y4Y!
You 4 Youth is a free  online professional development site that is designed to support 21CCLC program staff, but is a valuable tool for any afterschool professional looking to build their skills! Recently, Y4Y has rolled out a whole module on literacy. Click here to register.

Afterschool Alliance Webinars
The Afterschool Alliance offers webinars on a wide range of topics, from policy and the new Every Student Succeeds Act, to STEM and Social-Emotional Learning. Find out more on their webinars website.

Iowa Child Care Training Registry
Find professional development for school-age programming on the State of Iowa Child Care Training Registry on topics ranging from health and safety to developmentally appropriate programming. Find out more online

NAA Talk Tuesday PD Resources
Talk Tuesday provides afterschool professionals with the resources to host relevant discussions among peers, colleagues, staff, or community leaders. If you are looking to connect with afterschool professionals in your area or engage your staff with relevant topics, Talk Tuesday will provide the materials for you.

Find out more on their website here.  
 
Resources for STEM Programming
The Center for the Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE) provides background information that is useful for the development of STEM programming. Find out more on their website
 
The Afterschool Tech Toolkit aims to empower afterschool professionals and educators with strategies and training so they can provide students with access to technology outside of classroom hours. It includes training modules on getting started, training staff, accessing technology and devices, and more. Take a look at the toolkit here.   
 

Annual Iowa School Age Care Alliance Conference
February 1 & 2, 2019; West Des Moines, IA
Leadership Day - February 1; Conference - February 2. Please register on the DHS training registry no later than January 28, 2019. Cost for Leadership Day is $30, Saturday Conference is $50.
 
Payments should be sent to:  
ISACA
c/o Diane Ross
Johnston KTC
PO Box 10
Johnston, IA 50131
 
Beyond School Hours Conference
February 20-23, 2019; Atlanta, GA
Beyond School Hours workshops draw upon the experience and expertise of session leaders from through out the United States. The strands cover the topics that range from Trauma Informed Practice and Grade Level Reading to STEM, Family Engagement and more.
 
For more information, visit the conference website
 
National AfterSchool Association Convention
March 15-18, 2019; New York, NY
Join the NAA and 2,000 members of the afterschool community for four days of networking, learning, and inspiration: special events, workshops, daily keynotes, and an interactive Learning Expo all designed to meet the needs of the developing professionals and emerging and current leaders of afterschool. Come to NAA convention and leave saying, "I've found my people!" 
 
Find out more on the convention website.   
 
2019 Impact After School Conference
April 24-26, 2019; Des Moines, IA
The annual Impact After School Conference will be back for its seventh year in 2019. Join over 200 of your afterschool friends for this fun and engaging conference focused on high-quality enrichment programming.  
 
For up-to-date information on Impact, please visit the Iowa 21CCLC website.