Coaching & Learning for After School Professionals
Coaching & Learning for Afterschool Professionals (CLASP) was created to provide after school professionals with the space and support needed to network, problem solve, and learn with colleagues from across the state. Past CLASP cohorts have included topics such as social emotional learning, intentional programming, researching problems of practice in programs, and out-of-school time best practices. For 2021 we have expanded the CLASP program with a STEM cohort and another focused on program design and management. The goal of each CLASP cohort was to provide after school practitioners with research-based, applicable content, and opportunities for networking and building leadership skills.
The Fall of 2021 provides many opportunities to reimagine what afterschool programming looks like in Connecticut. With the infusion of the largest investment in out-of-school time ever, we are poised to lead in a way that demands pragmatic leadership and forward thinking. The coming year will be a call for emerging leaders that are in supervisory positions to manage staff well, build lasting relationships with children and families, and help communities come together.
CLASP PRO (Practical, Reflective, Operations) – The Connecticut After School Network developed CLASP PRO. Building off our successful CLASP (Coaching and Learning for After School Professionals) program, this exciting new cohort offered participants the opportunity to think about their programs in a practical, and reflective way that helped create smoother operations at the program level. CLASP PRO was developed using the Practical Reflective Operations (PRO) Framework (Anthony, 2021), which allows deeper learning in specific areas that are intended to build organizational and personal capacity.
The practical (P) element will expose out-of-school time professionals with topics based on research, current literature, or new resources in the field and provide the opportunity to connect with the larger out-of-school time community. The reflective (R) element allows a space for personal reflection on a topic exploring skills that can be applied to problems of practice that may be encountered at the organizational or programmatic level. The operations (O) element of the framework provides the opportunity to use self-assessment to note program growth, items of strength, and areas in need of improvement in targeted program aspects.
CLASP STEM was created to provide a deeper understanding and how to implement STEM in the after school space. Out of school time is an excellent place to explore fun, unique STEM practices and opportunities for young people. But are you confident in your STEM teaching skills? Is STEM a daily part of your program? Are you interested in expanding your STEM skills to enhance your program quality and participant experience? Are you interested in learning more about the variety of resources available to you as out of school time educators in Connecticut? Are you interested in building your own comfort with creating hands-on, experiential learning experiences that create real STEM learning experiences that bring STEM to life for the young people in your program?
COMING SOON!
- For the past six years, the Connecticut After School Network has offered the CLASP program to over 100 leaders of afterschool and summer programs statewide.
- Annually we host an Alumni Event for current and past participants. Guest speakers have included Terry Peterson, Ph.D. (Editor of the Expanding Minds and Opportunities Compendium, 2013), Deb Moroney, Ph.D. (Social-Emotional Learning Expert at the American Institutes for Research), and Tracey Lay, Former Board Chair of the National AfterSchool Association. Participation in a CLASP cohort connects you with members of past cohorts of afterschool professionals that have been part of the program since its start in 2014.
- We are looking to expand the CLASP Alumni Community to create small learning communities based on interest and affinity. Check back here regularly for updates and information.
Frequently Asked Questions
CLASP is cohort based professional development that is focused on developing skills to help improve program quality and help leaders better assess and solve issues that occur within afterschool programs. Over the course of a typical CLASP program, participants will work with state and national experts that will help identify and dig deeper into common problems programs face. Through this process, those involved in the CLASP program make larger connections to the field including papers and presentations as well as develop peer relationships that will offer support for years to come.
Those interested will be required to fill out an application in which you will describe your program, reason for being interested in part of the cohort, what are you hoping to explore in your own program or practice, and what you hope to get out of it.
Participants will be provided course materials, lunch & refreshments (in-person sessions), and exclusive CLASP alumni events. As part of the cohort, you will connect with state and national experts on a wide range of topics related to afterschool and summer programming relevant to common problems of practice. Additionally, your participation in CLASP connects you with past cohorts of afterschool professionals that have been part of the program that started in 2014.
Applications are typically open in late-spring and early-fall (if there is a spring cohort running). Prospective participants need to fill out the online application. Participants are chosen by a national advisory committee and will be notified in within 3-4 months of their application. Late applications will not be accepted.
Past Cohort Participants
“I love how STEM enables an individual to think differently and really understand the how and why an object or situation. I absolutely love getting new project ideas from our session. Joining CLASP STEM pushes us out of our comfort zone and broadens our professional skills.” – Emily Snow
“I attended Clasp for the first time this year and I cannot tell you how glad I am for the experience! The class was informative, and I had a chance to experience working with fellow after-school educators who understand the groundwork and programmatic challenges of the work. Dr. Ken Athonthy’s energy, commitment, vision, and information made the workshops incredible!” – Tiana Brown
“CLASP is a unique experience and one I have never had with a grantor before. In addition to funding support, clasp allows for program directors to discuss what’s working, what’s not and share ideas with one another while receiving research-based solutions. This helps to enhance the afterschool experience for staff, students and families as a whole.” – Wendy Gerbier