It's Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week: Ways to Celebrate Like A Professional!
Celebrate Afterschool Professionals April 21-25
NJSACC is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 21-25, to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.
We are joining the effort because research shows that Afterschool Professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. We encourage you to join us in thanking afterschool professionals!
Why is it important to recognize afterschool professionals?
Afterschool professionals deserve recognition, appreciation, and support for their work with kids, families, and communities.
- An estimated 7.8 million young people participate in afterschool programs yearly in the U.S.
- Over 850,000 afterschool professionals–those who work with children and youth during out-of-school time–are part of a highly skilled and valuable profession. However, they are often not recognized or appreciated for their essential work.
- Research shows that afterschool professionals are the key to the program quality that mitigates risk factors and positively impacts youth outcomes.
- Afterschool programs run by skilled professionals result in increased social-emotional skills, school attendance, and academic performance.
- Let’s recognize, appreciate, and advocate for afterschool professionals during Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week and beyond!
Here are some ideas to show your appreciation:
- Declare on social media: “Research shows that Afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. #heartofafterschool”
- Give a hand-written card from you and/or your child to the afterschool professionals you know.
- Send an email to an afterschool professional’s supervisor describing why that person is appreciated.
- Make healthy or non-food treats for the staff at your afterschool program.
