Afterschool: Northern Lights Career Deveopment Center

Vermont’s Afterschool Professionals:
Expanding Professional Development Opportunities

To learn more about the opportunities available for afterschool professionals, please contact Kerrie Workman, Afterschool Consultant, State of Vermont Child Development Division (ph: 802-426-2067) or e-mail kwork23@yahoo.com.

WHERE DO I FIND COLLEGE COURSES FOR AFTERSCHOOL PROFESSIONALS?

Afterschool Inventory of Courses

WHO ARE AFTER SCHOOL PROFESIONALS?
If you are working with school age children and/or youth outside of school hours, you are an afterschool professional.

If you are working one day per week, or full-time in this capacity - new to the field or have years of experience, you are considered an afterschool professional.

The term “afterschool” represents a growing field that is quite diverse. The jobs afterschool professionals do vary a great deal: program directors, recreation coordinators, artists, program assistants, youth workers and more. Therefore, a professional development system for this field needs to be flexible, individualized, and accessible.

WHAT SUPPORTS ARE AVAILABLE TO AFTER SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS?
In July 2005 the State of Vermont’s Child Development Division brought together a committee of partners that reflected of the breadth and depth of the state’s afterschool workforce. Northern Lights Career Development Center was also beginning at that time, developing a unified professional development framework specific to afterschool and early childhood professionals. An Afterschool Professional Development Framework Committee (PDF) was formed and it continues to do exciting work to increase professional support for the field. Some highlights are:

The results of the 2008 Vermont Afterschool Professionals Survey are in. Almost 300 respondents working with schoolage children and youth in diverse programs had a lot to say! A detailed analysis was made and you can read all the results on this link to the Vermont Afterschool Professionals Survey.
A survey of afterschool professionals to learn more about their experiences and professional development needs. For results from the Professional Development Survey for Afterschool Professionals, click on the link.
Creation of the Core Competencies for Afterschool Professionals (click on this link) that are used to guide our work.
Development and delivery of Introduction to Afterschool Education and Care, the first on-line college course for Afterschool Professionals was offered through the Community College of Vermont in Spring 2007.
A Program Director Credential for early childhood and after school professionals. Click on this link for more information.
An Instructor Registry for professionals who provide professional development to after school and early childhood program staff. Click here for more information.
Creation and piloting of an On The Job Training Program for Afterschool Professionals, beginning Fall 2007. Contact the Vermont Child Care Industries and Careers Council http://www.vtchildcareindustry.org/.

WHAT‘S COMING?

A Credential for Afterschool Professionals. This credential is based on the learning objectives and competency areas as described in the Core Competencies for Afterschool Professionals. The credential will provide professionals with learning opportunities that are relevant to their particular roles and their short and long term professional goals.
An updated survey of after school professionals

And a lot more….

WHO DO I CONTACT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT AFTER SCHOOL?
Ruth Matthews , Afterschool Program Consultant, State of Vermont Child Development Division (ph: 241-3107) or email: ruth.matthews@ahs.state.vt.us

Kerrie Workman, Afterschool Consultant, State of Vermont Child Development Division (ph: 802-426-2067) or e-mail kwork23@yahoo.com.

Vermont Out of School Time (VOOST)

Vermont School Age Care Network (VSACN)

See also this website: RESOURCES.