Due to the long-standing and systemic underfunding of our nation's out-of-school time programs, many OST professionals have a long history of moving to other fields of work to seek higher wages and increased benefits. According to a November 2020 survey from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 69% of respondents said that recruiting and staff retention is more difficult now than it was pre-pandemic.

A new brief from the NAEYC examines why and how states can act today to use relief funding to increase compensation for out-of-school time educators. Several states have already taken action and set the blueprint for others to follow, providing improved bonuses, hazard pay, and premium pay for those chronically under-paid educators.

Click below to the read the brief in its entirety.

If you're interested in learning more about how to implement STEM activities in your program, feel free to contact us at myIAN@IndianaAfterschool.org.

Congratulations to the programs across Indiana who were recognized this week as Quality Leaders!

Your Quality Leader badges are incoming - digital badges will be sent to applicable programs this week, while hardcopies will be mailed soon.

The Quality Leader badges were created to help recognize programs for the dedication and drive displayed in working continuously toward strengthening program quality.

By aligning with the Indiana Afterschool Standards and assessing your program using IN-QPSA, you demonstrate your intention to make a difference in the lives of kids and families across Indiana. Thank you for your service and impact!

10:00 AM EST | 2nd Thursday of the month

10:30 AM CST | 3rd Friday of the month

ID: 1779419731 | Password: Ykkye3MbV53

11:00 AM CST | 3rd Wednesday of the month

10:00 AM EST | 4th Monday of the month

3rd Tuesday of every month | 12:00 PM EST

11:00 AM CST | 3rd Thursday of the month

11:00 AM EST | 4th Wednesday of the month

The Academy of Competent Youth Work and the Indiana Youth Services Association present the Child & Youth Care Foundations Course and the Training for Trainers Course. Participants will receive training across all youth work competencies, modules that meeting training requirements for Entry Level CYC certification, guidance through the CYC certification process, between-class activities, access to supplemental modules, and more!

Register here or email Jeananne Reich for more information.

Afterschool professionals help equip their youth with the skills needed to succeed in a world that we can only imagine. Challenge yourself to explore new perspectives, make key connections, and build lasting relationships that will strengthen the afterschool field at the NAA's 2022 Convention. Registration and call for presenters will be available September 15.

Indy Summer Youth Programs focus on providing safe and positive experiences for children and teens, ages 4 to 24, at little or no cost to families. Grants are given to support overnight programs, day programs, academic and artistic enrichment, and youth employment. Recipients represent organizations ranging from religious congregations and area community centers to theaters and parks that offer sports, overnight camping, arts, community service and tutoring. Join to learn more info about the Summer Youth Program Fund. 

The Indiana Youth Services Association has announced their 2021 development retreat: "Reconnecting with Your Inner Child - Play, Bond, Imagine!" This retreat in Underwood, Indiana will offer time for participants to train, play, bond, imagine, laugh, and relax. Overnight options are currently full, but day-only and virtual options are still available!

Click the image to view the full flyer or register here.

For families with qualifying incomes (128%+ of the federal poverty level), classified as essential workers, the state of Indiana can cover up to 80% of tuition fees for kids up to age 12, including early learning, before-school, after-school, and summer learning programs. Programs that wish to accept scholarship funds are required to complete a 30-minute information webinar, which is available 24/7, so you can complete it when it is convenient for you. To complete this session:

The IDOE's Reimagining Enrichment, Academics, and Community Health (R.E.A.C.H.) Grant is open for applications to school districts and community organizations providing high-quality, year-round out-of-school programs for economically disadvantaged youth. Funds should be used to provide opportunities for academic acceleration, character enrichment, and other activities designed to complement the youth’s regular academic program and social-emotional development.