Publications
Technical Assistance Papers
This series of technical assistance papers offers practical information about afterschool program design and advice to help you develop high quality programs. The publications can be easily downloaded with the links below:
- The Qualities of Excellent School-Age Care
- A Guide to Organizing a School-Age Care Program
- Effective School-Age Care Program Operations
- Personnel Issues in School-Age Care
- Special Needs Inclusive Child Care Facts Sheet "Are You Ready?"
- Financial Management of School-Age Care Programs
- The Next Step: Program Options for School-Agers 10 and Older
- Collaborative Strategies for School-Age Care in Public Schools
- Wrap Around Care for Preschool Children
You can get Adobe Acrobat Reader here!
Hurry Up and Wait
Often participants in a group are asked to hurry up ("hurry and line up for the bus"; "hurry and finish painting so we can have snack"), only to find themselves bored and waiting for the next activity. So, why not keep kids busy during those "hurry up and wait" times with some fun things to do?
In Hurry Up and Wait we've included all sorts of activities to fit those situations and added a bunch of additional favorites ranging from crafts, to bus activities, to things to do on a rainy day. Adapt them, change them, collect and create activities to fit your group. Think of it as a reward for those kids who are the good listeners. The first ones to "hurry up and wait" get the most time to play. Includes fun activities for older preschoolers, and school-age thru adults!
>> Get the order form for Hurry Up and Wait
Imagine: Afterschool Space that Works
Children arrive at afterschool from different classrooms, sometimes from different schools – and they've already had a long day. The afterschool space offers children a sense of place and an understanding of the values and customs in the program. The environment can exert a powerful influence on their experiences and attitudes.
This booklet encourages afterschool professionals to think differently about the spaces in which they work. It offers practical, concrete advice on how to invest time and resources in creating attractive, exciting and more effective afterschool environments.
>> Download Imagine: Afterschool Space That Works
Taking the Temperature of Afterschool in New Jersey
This focus group report details goals, interests and concerns of afterschool providers throughout the state. It includes comprehensive recommendations.
>> Download Taking the Temperature of Afterschool in New Jersey
The 21st Century Afterschool Science Project
The 21st Century Afterschool Science Project brings together the resources, technology, health and science of New Jersey to develop and integrate quality science and health education programs into afterschool programs. It engages adults and children in the joy of exploration and discovery, the satisfaction of thinking critically about the 'why' and the 'how', and the freedom to pursue the questions about the natural world that intrigue and delight us.
It includes:
- An informal, hands-on science curriculum infused with language arts and math skills that is appropriate for integration into afterschool, out-of-school time (OST) and extended-day settings;
- Use of a guided-inquiry approach to encourage student problem-solving and engagement and effective facilitation of science learning by non-scientists;
- Training and capacity-building through modeling of effective science learning and delivery, and on-site technical assistance that capitalizes on the strengths of OST staff and environments;
- Family-involvement strategies which are integral to students' academic success; and,
- A guide to incorporating science-learning into afterschool and other OST programs, which includes research, strategies, resources and templates tailored specifically for afterschool providers and their staff.
>> Learn more about the 21st Century Afterschool Science Project
