Celebrating 25 years

Connecticut After School Network began 25 years ago with a small group of school age child care program directors who met regularly to support one another and share ideas. As the only  Network staff member present at the beginning, I remember that the directors knew their staff needed training specifically designed for those working with school age children, but they found very little appropriate training was available. (more…)

Continue ReadingCelebrating 25 years

Stipends Available: Through My Window

It’s a window on a new destination—where children and young teens (grades 4-8) encounter engineering in a brand new way.

Throughmywindow.org is a multimedia educational website that grabs you by the hand and pulls you into a world filled with stories, mysteries, explorations, and adventures.   It’s a place where engineering isn’t about building bridges—it’s about asking questions, thinking deeply, and building a community of learners. (more…)

Continue ReadingStipends Available: Through My Window

Connecticut Family Development Credential Train the Trainers Training

This Train the Trainer (TOT) training is part of the Family Development Credential & Training Program (FDC) offered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.

This five day training institute is based on the successful program and curriculum developed at Cornell University in New York; Empowerment Skills for Family Workers. FDC is a professional development model used in 18 states nationally.

(more…)

Continue ReadingConnecticut Family Development Credential Train the Trainers Training

Understanding Child and Adolescent Development

In order to provide an after school program that is developmentally appropriate, after school program staff need to understand the sequence of development of school age children and adolescents in the four areas or domains of development: Physical, Social, Emotional and Cognitive. Development experts agree that: (more…)

Continue ReadingUnderstanding Child and Adolescent Development

Helping Kids Thrive

In a recent webinar, Helping Kids Thrive is Job # 1, Tim Duffey of Bolster Collaborative Inc. (www.bolstercollaborative.com) explained that thinking about Positive Youth Development centers on building resilience and helping kids thrive. Thriving means building the good things in youth and enhancing the relationships needed for positive development. (more…)

Continue ReadingHelping Kids Thrive