Presentation formats we’ll feature at Convention, as well as the five learning strands

Developing Afterschool and Youth Professionals: Learning Express

Ask an Evaluator!

Evaluation is becoming an increasingly common requirement of afterschool programs, but for those new to evaluation, the process can seem overwhelming. Bring your questions regarding evaluation and have them answered by an evaluator who specializes in 21st CCLC and afterschool program evaluation at this highly engaging session.

Presented by: Emily Hagstrom, Evaluator, Via Evaluation
Conducting the Perfect Interview

Hire the right person for the afterschool position the first time. Learn these quick tips for tailoring your interviews to be meaningful and informative to you and the candidate resulting in well informed employees, higher retention rates and passionate staff to work with your students. Regardless of the position the candidate is applying for, learn how to formulate and stretch questions to gain depth which tells you the candidate's skill set and character. Gain skills and confidence through interactive group activities that teach you how to conduct the perfect interview time and time again.

Presented by: Amanda Christman, Program Coordinator, B.A.S.E. Camp (Before and After School Enrichment); Mary Rutledge, Program Coordinator-Team Lead, B.A.S.E. Camp (Before and After School Enrichment)
Improving the Quality of Afterschool Care CYTTAP

The CYTTAP project has improved the quality of afterschool care for off-installation military families. Discover the variety of cooperative extension afterschool programs being offered across the nation. Learn how the project has improved the quality of afterschool care and the targeted areas in which it is located.

Presented by: Angela Abts, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension; Leanne Manning, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Re-Energizing and Re-Exciting Returning Staff

With a blended staff of newbies and returnees, more seasoned staff can get sour, especially if newbies are having a difficult learning curve. Sometimes we rely on returnees too much and that sours them as well. Come discover how to help your staff stay excited and invested!

Presented by: Katha Cato, Retired Director of After-School and Camp Services, Henry Street Settlement
The Problem with Pre-to-Post Surveys of Students

Pre-to-post surveys are often used to measures changes in youth’s attitudes. However, this method can lead to inaccurate conclusions due to response shift biases. Increases in knowledge about what a topic (i.e. STEM) is, can lead to reports of lesser knowledge and interest. We propose an alternative methodology to mitigate these effects.

Presented by: Erika Samuels, Research Associate, The After-School Corporation

Quality and Innovative Programming: Learning Express

Activities in 21st CCLC: What is Offered Vs. Captured

21st CCLC programs represent the largest federal initiative for afterschool programs. Its comprehensive curriculum delivers various activities to at-risk youth, which is extremely valuable but can be difficult to document. Using data from Michigan 21st CCLC state evaluation, we demonstrate a matured coding system to capture the variety and essence of activities offered across hundreds of sites.

Presented by: Laurie Van Egeren, Assistant Provost for University-Community Partnerships, University Outreach and Engagement; Jamie Wu, Co-PI 21st CCLC State Evaluation, Michigan State University
Gaming to Learn: Engage with Fun, Educational Apps

Are all apps created equal? Participants will learn about the value of education technology and the benefits all games can provide students, specifically middle schoolers. Suzi Wilczynski, founder and president of Dig-It! Games, an independent learning game developer, will describe what makes an app a worthwhile time investment for kids and how gaming can be used in an afterschool program. Participants will have the opportunity to experience apps first-hand and learn what goes into quality game development. In addition, participants will be able to walk away with a plan to introduce gaming into their afterschool program and a few apps that can get them started.

Presented by: Suzi Wilczynski, President, Dig-It! Games, C/O Stanton Communications
Genius Hour: Promoting Learning and Innovation

Genius Hour is a movement that allows students to explore their own passions and encourages creativity, collaboration, problem solving and innovation. The idea is simple. Allow people to work on something that interests them and productivity will go up. In this session, discover the power of an hour and leave with the ideas and resources you need to successfully implement Genius Hour in your learning environment.

Presented by: Alicia Mackall, Digital Literacy and Learning Coach, Millville Public Schools
Hooray for Clay!

Clay is a primal element and its use can be traced back to the earliest human societies. The regular use of clay in afterschool programs can offer children so many gifts: imaginative play, therapeutic release and a forgiving art medium where mistakes don't hamper progress. Clay is an excellent interdisciplinary tool to incorporate into so many different lesson plans and activities. Clay is unique in that it takes art and problem solving into the third dimension of shape, form and perspective. And most importantly, as after school practitioners we must not forget that clay and messes are great fun!

Presented by: Melody Griffin, Executive Enrichment Director, Junior Academy Children's Centers; Wendy Poston, Coordinating Director, Junior Academy Children's Centers
How to be Great at Giving and Receiving!

I will share ideas on how to include inexpensive outreach activities that will have children thinking about how they can help others. I will also share ways to obtain donations from professional sports teams, restaurants, stores and more. It is great to give! It is amazing to receive!

Presented by: Susan Emery, Child Care Supervisor, Scottsdale Unified School District Kids Club
Take Children Outside: Learn about Earth's Systems

In this presentation, I will share a series of ten activities plans that focus on teaching children about Earth's interconnected systems. These activities include hands-on activities, ready-made presentations, teacher guides and are easy and inexpensive to replicate.

Presented by: Dorian Janney, Education Specialist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
They Just Keep Coming: Measuring Parent Engagement

Last school year, hundreds of parents in our district (3,100 students) totaled over 17,000 hours of volunteering, training, committee work, attending events and conferencing. That was double the number of hours the year before. We can show these numbers by school and district using the Parent Engagement Tracker. What a powerful tool! Interested?

Presented by: Robinson Camacho, Family Liaison, Windham Public Schools; Bill Stover, Director Family and Community Partnerships, Windham Public Schools
Zombies, Space, and Connecting Creativity to STEM: Express

How do you make science learning authentically fun through writing? This interactive session examines best practices in engaging students in STEM, particularly those in underserved communities. Participants will explore accessible sample lessons featuring writing activities designed to boost interest and competency in STEM afterschool, and leave with tools and ideas in hand.

Presented by: Pam Garza, STEM Project Director, Youth Development and Social Responsibility, YMCA of the USA; Mariama Lockington, Director of Education, 826NYC; Kait Steele, Director of Field Operations, 826 National