Thursday will feature a half-day, professional development deep-dive specifically for out-of-school time directors and site coordinators facilitated by Amy Brady of The Flourish Lab (learn more below), and Friday will once again bring together Vermont’s out-of-school time directors, staff, educators, and partners for a full day of 17 workshops across three breakout sessions, an inspiring keynote from Tyler Kearns, networking, and a celebration of the important work you do for Vermont’s children, youth, and families!
We can’t wait to see you again in October! Registration opens August 1! Stay tuned to our emails and this conference webpage as we update information on registration, conference workshops, and the keynote speaker.
There is a block of hotel rooms available at a discounted rate for anyone wishing to stay overnight at Sugarbush Resort Thursday evening. Click here to reserve your room.
Tyler is the current Program Coordinator for Clayton Kid Zone just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. In his 17th year in before and afterschool programming, he has become an accomplished leader and trainer in the field. Tyler is a National AfterSchool Association Next Generation honoree and a National Play Ambassador with the Genius of Play. Kearns’ knowledge base comes not only from research but from experience from the front lines, as he continues to hone his craft onsite daily with staff and students. Tyler is also the Professional Development Committee Chair with the Missouri Afterschool Network working to further advance the professional development for afterschool professionals in his state.
Outside of programming, Tyler is also the owner and Master instructor at Axiom Martial Arts with 18 years of experience coaching, leading, and instructing all ages in martial arts training.
Amy’s professional background includes 11 years working as a middle and high school science, math, and health teacher. She also had the opportunity to work with parents of 9th graders as they navigated the ups and downs of raising teenagers.
Amy followed her teaching career with a transition into youth development through Colorado State University Extension, working to provide impactful out-of-school-time programs for Denver’s youth. It was through this experience that she developed a deeper understanding of and love for her greater community and her place within that community. In 2013, she realized her long-time dream of becoming an entrepreneur by founding StandUP, the organization behind the Flourish Lab.
When she’s not engaging with others through StandUP and the Flourish Lab, what she loves more than anything is enjoying the sunshine on the front porch with her neighbors and laughing often and heartily with family and friends.
Creating supporting environments for young people is EVERYTHING. But what does this really mean? Why are so many youth organizations still focused on “behavior management”? In this 4-hour workshop, we will explore what it really means to create a supportive environment. It starts with understanding which mindsets are rooted in adult power vs. youth and adult partnership. Once we build this self-awareness, we get the power to choose the mindsets and actions that are most important in supporting our young people. The result? Young people more naturally show up as their best. And we learn to embrace, rather than fight, challenging behaviors when they inevitably occur.
Participants will discover:
SEL-Connected: The Purpose and Power of Our Relationships with Children
Presenter: Beth Martell
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Bringing the Healing Power of Nature Inside the Classroom
Presenter: Anna Howe
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DEI
Presenter: Marla Goldstein
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A Look into the “Play” Book
Presenter: Tyler Kearns
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De-Escalation: Every Behavior Starts with a Feeling
Presenter: Amy Brady
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Learning the Secrets to Helping Youth Thrive; It’s More than Just a Spark
Presenters: 4H Vermont
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Supporting Youth Mental Health
Presenters: Brianne Smith and the Vermont State Youth Council
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Building a CQI Plan
Presenters: Courtney Isham & Jacek Deptula
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Restart Leadership
Presenters: Bill Bonsignore & Marie Gilmond
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The Importance of Play for Learning and Social and Emotional Growth
Presenter: Howard Moody
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Supervision 101
Presenter: Dacia Ostlund
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Building a Community of Care and Belonging Through Play
Presenter: Howard Moody
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Career & Education Exploration with MyFutureVT and the Vermont Employment Pathfinder
Presenter: Tom Cheney
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Jr Iron Chef Cooking in Your Program
Presenter: Dana Hudson
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Discovering Your Leadership Style
Presenter: Dacia Ostlund
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Coaching for Commitment, Competence, and Climate
Presenters: Bill Bonsignore & Marie Gilmond
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Elevating Your Programming Fun and Engaging Skill Building Activities
Presenter: Kathleen Bray
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We invite organizations and businesses to support Vermont Afterschool by purchasing an exhibitor table. Exhibiting at our conference offers an opportunity to market your services, products, or resources to over 200 afterschool professionals. Exhibitor tables are available to conference sponsors of $175 and up. Space is limited and tables are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Click here to reserve your Exhibitor Table today.
Sugarbush Resort
22 Gate House Lane
Warren, VT 05674
802-583-6300
www.sugarbush.com
Individuals planning to stay at Sugarbush Resort Thursday are eligible to receive a discounted rate. To reserve a room at the discounted rate, please click here.
Thursday
12:45 PM: Welcome
1:00–5:00 PM: Deep-Dive Training
Friday
8:00–8:45 AM: Registration & Caffeine
8:45–9:00 AM: Welcome from VTA Executive Director
9:00–9:45 AM: Keynote Address from Tyler Kearns
10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Workshop Block 1
12:00–12:45 PM: Lunch
1:00–2:30 PM: Workshop Block 2
2:45–4:15 PM: Workshop Block 3
4:15–5:00 PM: Afterschool Cafe (Closing Remarks, Dessert, Raffle)
Vermont Afterschool, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and contributions are tax deductible. Your gift supports our efforts to increase the quality of and access to afterschool and summer programs in Vermont, as well as to empower youth.
