NJSACC’s 2026-2027 Professional Development Opportunities
NJSACC offers a variety of engaging virtual and in-person professional development and technical assistance opportunities for all staff working in school-age child care, afterschool, and out-of-school-time (OST) programs.
Guided by the New Jersey Quality Standards for Afterschool (NJQSA), training topics include leading activities, behavior and inclusion, team building, leadership development, program planning/management, STEM, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), working with families, and so much more!
Check out the professional development opportunities being offered by NJSACC this year.
Register soon – space is limited!
Looking for a year of quality support at no cost to your program?
Applications are now open for the Quality Support for Afterschool (QSA) program!
What is QSA?
QSA is a year-long quality improvement opportunity designed to help afterschool programs strengthen their practices through individualized coaching, professional learning, assessment, and goal-setting.
Who should apply?
Licensed and subsidized school-age child care programs throughout New Jersey.
What will your program receive?
✓ Support from a dedicated NJSACC Quality Coach
✓ NJ Quality Standards for Afterschool (NJQSA) training
✓ Guided site assessment and quality improvement planning
✓ Peer learning opportunities with other afterschool leaders
✓ Access to select NJSACC workshops and conferences
What is the commitment?
Participating sites should have leadership staff engaged throughout the year, including participation in coaching, site visits, peer learning, and implementation of quality improvement goals.
Application Deadlines:
📅Early Application Deadline: August 21, 2026
📅Final Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
Ready to strengthen your program and invest in your team?
APPLICATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 30, 2026
Please Contact Quality Team Director Dagmar Wojcik at dwojcik@njsacc.org with any questions regarding this opportunity.
Starting each aspect of the day right can make the difference between a great day, a so-so day, & one that is challenging. Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop that provides practical strategies for staff to recognize and create inclusive, welcoming, and flexible transitions from the school day to afterschool.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Registration is through NJCCIS.
Event ID 155476
Tuesday, 9/29/26, 6:45-7:45pm
Including all youth in OST programs can be very challenging, but nothing is more rewarding than witnessing a child make a friend, enjoy a game, or experience an accomplishment. Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop designed to help staff explore disability inclusion and socially responsible language to develop a plan to overcome inclusion barriers in their program.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Registration is through NJCCIS.
Event ID 155477
Tuesday, 10/27/26, 6:45-7:45 PM
The Leadership Mirror: Reflect, Recognize, Retain
Great leaders know themselves AND their teams. This in-person session 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. 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: 10/28/26
Time: 9am-2:15pm
Location: NJSACC Office – 170 Elm Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 (located in the First Baptist Church)
Cost: $85 which covers lunch and materials
Register Online by October 23, 2026
Wednesday, 10/28/26, 9:00 am – 2:15 PM
Working with multiple age groups can be challenging, especially when they start with Pre-K & extend through grade school ages. Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop where we’ll explore how to create an inclusive environment for a broad range of ages by understanding the differences between typical developmental behaviors and those that may signal a need for additional support.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Registration is through NJCCIS.
Event ID 155478
Tuesday, 11/17/26, 6:45-7:45 PM
Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop introducing the four guiding principles of inclusion and the KIT Support Pyramid. Participants will explore how to use these concepts to create a program that strengthens inclusion and behavior support. By the end of this training, participants will be able to describe at least one strategy at each level of the pyramid to support school age youth in their OST program.
Registration is through NJCCIS.
Event ID 155509
Tuesday, 1/26/27, 6:45-7:45 PM
This virtual workshop will focus on the essential question: What does behavior tell us? Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) in using the ABCs of behavior (antecedent, behavior, and consequences) to better understand the WHY of behavior and how to select appropriate strategies and techniques to support positive behavior.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Registration is through NJCCIS.
Event ID 155510
Tuesday, 2/23/27, 6:45-7:45 PM
Children use behavior. Providers are challenged by behavior. Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop that introduces the KIT Behavior Thermometer and steps for understanding and de-escalating a situation according to whether the behavior is typical, challenging, concerning, and/or unsafe.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Registration is through NJCCIS.
Event ID 155511
Tuesday, 3/23/27, 6:45-7:45 PM
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.
Registration is through NJCCIS.
Event ID 155512
Tuesday, 4/20/27, 6:45-7:45 PM
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 NJSACC 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.
Registration is through NJCCIS.
Event ID 155513
Tuesday, 5/25/27, 6:45-7:45 PM
