Author: NJSACC

NJSACC’s Quality Team Director Dagmar Wojcik Shares Her Afterschool Story! Dagmar writes: “In the field of Out-of-School Time, we all have the wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the kids in our care and the adults they will become. My own summer experiences as a camper, CIT, and camp counselor…

NJSACC’s Director of Administrative Services Jessica Heiberg Shares Her Afterschool Story! Jess writes: “Providing and maintaining quality afterschool and out-of-school time programming is an ongoing process. The field is always changing and as such, there is always more to be learned. NJSACC remains ready to help programs continue on the path of continuous improvement.” Did…

NJSACC Highlights Alexis Mathieson For Shining in the Field! Alexis Mathieson writes: “Afterschool and out-of-school programs are more than just a place to pass the hour. As a product of impactful afterschool programs, I can truly say these experiences saved my life. From tutoring to life skills these empowering organizations shaped my path, opened doors,…

NJSACC’s Quality Support Coach Kandece Francis Shares Her Afterschool Story! Kandece writes “Afterschool helps with youth development and it can reiterate what is taught during school hours. ” Did you attend an afterschool program in your youth? Tell us what you did after school usually. Yes – Homework help, tutoring, cooking, theater, swimming, dance, chorus,…

It’s Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week: Ways to Celebrate Like A Professional! https://youtu.be/HCMzjiq2VDshttps://youtu.be/5E4QPoO7zYEhttps://youtu.be/gqVpSux2WG8https://youtu.be/SYE44qeCBSM 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…

Welcome to this National OST Program Director Survey on OST STEM Workforce! This online survey is part of a study conducted by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) at Wellesley College with support from the Overdeck Family Foundation and in partnership with the National Afterschool Association. NIOST is investigating effective strategies for recruiting, training,…

The 2025 Lights On Afterschool poster contest is officially open! This year, we’re looking for any artwork that represents the spirit of afterschool programs. Think about how your program has opened doors to new opportunities, whether it’s discovering something you love, learning new skills, or making friends. Show us how your afterschool staff have inspired, mentored, or…

Watch: 2025 Summer Youth Camp Season: Provider Informational Overview The federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act increases the health and safety requirements for all child care and early learning settings that accept child care subsidies, including summer youth camps. These provisions include pre-service and annual trainings, comprehensive criminal background checks, written…

NJSACC Advocacy In Action: Latest Blog Post (March 2025) Governor Murphy’s FY2026 Budget Proposal: What It Means for School-Age Child Care WESTFIELD, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy recently unveiled his proposed $58.1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026), emphasizing affordability, education, infrastructure, and economic growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility. While explicit investments in school-age…

Annual Conference We look forward to seeing everyone April 4 & 5, 2025 for 2 days of training, networking and fun! NJSACC’s Annual Conference on Afterschool and Out-of-School Time (OST) celebrates long-term success in the evolving landscape of Afterschool, OST, S.T.E.A.M. and Expanded Learning. The conference, occurring in Princeton, NJ, features over 45 workshops aimed…