Professional Development
Networking Session: Engaging and Enriching Activities
Online ForumIn conversations with the field, we've heard a clear and consistent request for more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. In response, Vermont Afterschool is pleased to offer a series of virtual networking sessions centered around key topics relevant to out-of-school time providers. These sessions are designed to foster meaningful dialogue, support peer learning, and strengthen connections... Read more »
FreeTraining – Youth Thrive (Day 1 of 2)
Steele Community Room, Waterbury Municipal Office 28 North Main Street, Waterbury, Vermont, United StatesYouth Thrive is an evidence-informed framework for approaching our work with youth ages 9-24. Instead of a sole focus on limiting risk factors or maintaining a problem-free environment, Youth Thrive teaches youth work professionals and parents to recognize, support, and build on protective and promotive factors. Based in strengths-based and positive psychology, this approach can... Read more »
Training: Boot Camp Basics: Strengthening Skill Building in Your Afterschool Program through Project-Based Learning
Virtual TrainingIn this workshop afterschool staff and leaders will develop their understanding, knowledge, and ability to provide skill-building opportunities in their afterschool programs. As described in the School-Age PQA tool, "The first step in assuring children learn and build skills is for the staff to have intentionally identified what is to be learned and how it... Read more »
FreeTraining – Youth Thrive (Day 2 of 2)
Steele Community Room, Waterbury Municipal Office 28 North Main Street, Waterbury, Vermont, United StatesYouth Thrive is an evidence-informed framework for approaching our work with youth ages 9-24. Instead of a sole focus on limiting risk factors or maintaining a problem-free environment, Youth Thrive teaches youth work professionals and parents to recognize, support, and build on protective and promotive factors. Based in strengths-based and positive psychology, this approach can... Read more »
Quality 4-Part Training Series
Virtual TrainingThis FREE training series, led by experienced SPARQS assessors Kathleen Bray and Dacia Ostlund, is for staff who would like to take a deep dive into quality. Participants will use an educational video focusing on what quality looks like in afterschool. We’ll take a deep dive into the PQA items Skill Building, Youth Leadership, Authentic... Read more »
FreeSEL Micro-Training: Empathy for Others
Virtual TrainingJoy, pain, struggle, fear—empathy is about companioning someone in their experience, as-is, without trying to make it better, go away, or change it. And that takes practice. In this cornerstone workshop about social and emotional development, you will be asked to experience empathy, explore what defines it, and learn how to create an empathy-infused space... Read more »
FreeVermont Afterschool Annual Conference
Lake Morey Resort 82 Clubhouse Road, Fairlee, VermontJoin us for Vermont Afterschool’s 16th Annual Conference at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee. Thursday will feature a half-day, professional development deep-dive specifically for out-of-school time directors and site coordinators facilitated by Dr. Folami Prescott-Adams of HTI Catalysts and Addie Lentzer of the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network and Friday will once again bring together Vermont’s out-of-school time directors, staff,... Read more »
SEL Micro-Training: Empathy for Self
Virtual TrainingWhen we are at our best, the sun seems to shine brighter, and there's a bounce in our step. We also have moments that feel quite the opposite. To address the ups and downs of life and work, this module explores inner critics, self-compassion and how to practice empathy for yourself so that you can... Read more »
FreeSEL Micro-Training: Leadership/Adults – Celebrating Your Strengths
Virtual TrainingWe're here to debunk the traditional notion of what leadership looks like. We define an ideal leader as: YOU AT YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST, whatever that looks like ... and growing from there. Leadership is a process, not a destination. This on-point workshop helps identify and celebrate your unique blend of strengths (sometimes we call this... Read more »
FreeSEL Micro-Training: Leadership/Youth – Step Aside!
Virtual TrainingWhat happens when we allow children the opportunity to lead? No surprise: they bloom! Whether pinch-hitting as a helper, or leading an activity for the day - encouraging youth to step into leadership roles in any moment, leads to noteworthy gains in social and emotional skills. Once we acknowledge that children are born leaders, all... Read more »
Free