NJSACC’s 25-26 Professional Development Opportunities
Below is the list of the professional development workshops being offered by NJSACC this year.
Register soon – space is limited!
The Leadership Mirror:
Reflect, Recognize, Retain
Great leaders know themselves AND their teams. Our in person regional mini-conferences specifically for afterschool & out-of-school time (OST) leadership will give participants the opportunity to reflect on their own leadership style and gain tools to identify staff needs, strengthen relationships, boost retention, and foster a culture of growth and appreciation in their programs. This November, we’ll be at two regional locations on two different dates offering the same content at each event. Appropriate for all leadership from directors to site supervisors, this is a great way to set up your staff teams for success this year! Registration is limited – don’t miss out.
Date:
Thursday, 11/13/25, 9am-2:15pm
Location:
Clifton Boys and Girls Club
181 Colfax Avenue
Clifton, NJ USA
Fee:
$80 includes lunch
The Leadership Mirror:
Reflect, Recognize, Retain
Great leaders know themselves AND their teams. Our in person regional mini-conferences specifically for afterschool & out-of-school time (OST) leadership will give participants the opportunity to reflect on their own leadership style and gain tools to identify staff needs, strengthen relationships, boost retention, and foster a culture of growth and appreciation in their programs. This November, we’ll be at two regional locations on two different dates offering the same content at each event. Appropriate for all leadership from directors to site supervisors, this is a great way to set up your staff teams for success this year! Registration is limited – don’t miss out.
Date:
South, Wednesday, 11/19/25, 9am-2:15pm
Location:
Fairshare Housing Center
1 Ethel Lawrence Blvd
Mt. Laurel, NJ USA
Fee: $80 includes lunch
NEW for 2025-26, NJSACC will offer 3 PLCs (Peer Learning Communities) that will meet virtually via zoom for networking, information sharing, and more! Space is limited for these grant funded free opportunities & is first come first served, so don’t miss out – register ASAP!
OST Leaders PLCÂ Now in its 3rd year, this PLC is open to all OST leaders in NJ & starts in October.
Young Professionals PLCÂ This new PLC is open to all OST leaders under age 30 to explore OST leadership from their unique perspective. This group will start in December.
Urban Communities PLCÂ This new PLC will explore the unique joys & challenges of providing OST in urban communities. This group will start in December.
More details can be found on the registration page below.
APPLICATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 20, 2025
Please Contact Quality Team Director Dagmar Wojcik at dwojcik@njsacc.org with any questions regarding this opportunity.
Boost Your Afterschool Site with Coaching from NJSACC!
Apply now to take your licensed program to the next level with grant-funded (and free to you!) technical assistance from NJSACC.
Through the Targeted Technical Assistance (TTA) you’ll receive:
✔️ Hands-on coaching
✔️ Customized resources
✔️ Professional development
All tailored to your site’s unique goals and needs.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow with expert guidance from NJSACC!
Only 5 slots are available this year. Apply here!
For more information, please contact Patricia Pugliese, Technical Assistance Specialist at ppugliese@njsacc.org
The Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification course empowers participants to recognize, understand, and respond effectively to mental health and substance use challenges in youth ages 12–18. This valuable training supports staff, benefits the young people they serve, and promotes the well-being of the entire community.
Spaces are limited; register today to secure your spot!
For more information, please contact Patricia Pugliese at ppugliese@njsacc.org.
Back for another year, NJSACC’s Behavior & Inclusion workshop series continues for 2025-26! Be sure to register for these grant funded, cost free evening offerings ASAP.
BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Turning Down the Heat on Behavior
Youth use behavior. Providers are challenged by behavior. Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop exploring the KIT Behavior Thermometer. This valuable tool helps guide staff in identifying typical, challenging, concerning, and unsafe behavior and the appropriate steps to de-escalate an unsafe situation.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Tuesday, 10/28/25, 6:45-7:45pm
BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Success with ADHD in OST Settings
This training will ask participants to focus on the essential question: How can we create environments and relationships that empower youth with ADHD to thrive, while honoring their unique strengths and challenges? Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop identifying myths about youth with ADHD and exploring positive support strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and help all youth be successful.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Wednesday, 1/21/26, 6:45-7:45pm
BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Supporting Social Emotional Literacy
This training will ask participants to focus on the essential question: How do feelings and emotions impact children/youth? Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop that will explore strategies to help youth build social and emotional literacy skills to better understand and manage their emotions and behavior.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Tuesday, 2/10/26, 6:45-7:45pm
BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Planning Support for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder influences the developmental skills of youth in a variety of ways that can impact their participation and relationships. Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop exploring strategies to support social interactions, communication, and the sensory processing needs of the youth in our care.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Tuesday, 3/10/26, 6:45-7:45pm
BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Meaningful Interactions
Positive relationships are the foundation for supporting youth, but making connections with every youth is not always easy, especially with youth who consistently show concerning or unsafe behavior. In this virtual workshop, led by our Kids Included Together (KIT) trainer, we’ll gain valuable tools and explore how self-reflection and acknowledgement can be used to build trust and positive relationships.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Tuesday, 5/5/26, 6:45-7:45pm
BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Turning Down the Heat on Behavior
Youth use behavior. Providers are challenged by behavior. Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop exploring the KIT Behavior Thermometer. This valuable tool helps guide staff in identifying typical, challenging, concerning, and unsafe behavior and the appropriate steps to de-escalate an unsafe situation.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Tuesday, 10/28/25, 6:45-7:45pm
Event ID 149854