Appreciating Afterschool Professionals During a Pandemic

April 14, 2020

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week 2020Next week marks the start of Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 20-24), and this year, we’re thinking about all of the ways we appreciate what afterschool and out-of-school-time (OST) professionals are doing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have found, after many conversations with program providers around the country, that almost all programs have been in contact with families, many are connecting families to services that will cover their basic needs, and some are offering virtual programming. We also know that many OST organizations are helping provide vital meals to children and young people who need them now that schools are closed. Here are just a few more of the many ways OST organizations and their members are helping out.

Providing Resources for OST Professionals

Providing Activity Resources for Students and Families

We offer our deepest appreciation to every one of the OST professionals and volunteers helping support children, youth, and families in these unprecedented times.

  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been an anchor for numerous school age care projects we do, including ASQ (After-School Quality) and Links to Learning. They are a nationally respected organization that Pennsylvania has partnered with for over 20 years."



    – Betsy O. Saatman, TA Specialist/SAC Initiatives, Pennsylvania Key
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST was a core partner in supporting the development of quality improvement systems across the nine cities that participated in The Wallace Foundation Next Generation Afterschool System-Building Initiative. The NIOST team worked well with other technical assistance partners in the initiative, always willing to pitch in and collaborate with others to make our professional learning community meetings a team effort. I truly hope the Foundation has an opportunity to partner with them in the future."


    – Priscilla M. Little, Initiative Manager, The Wallace Foundation

  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been a leader in the out-of-school time field for as long as I can remember, and I have relied on their research, tools, and advice to improve my practice throughout my career. Their staff members are good partners and good listeners, and their influence across the country is palpable."


    – Jane Quinn, Vice President and Director of National Center for Community Schools, Children's Aid Society
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "Georgia Hall, Ellen Gannett, and the NIOST team have been instrumental in driving the healthy afterschool movement. Their dedication to quality practice, informed policy, and collective impact is instrumental in our effort to create healthier communities."



    – Daniel W. Hatcher, Director, Community Partnerships, Alliance for a Healthier Generation

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The National Institute on Out-of-School Time

A program of the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College

Wellesley Centers for Women
Wellesley College
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481-8203 USA

niost@wellesley.edu
781.283.2547
Directions to NIOST