The Goals of AfterSchool Works! New York

The work of AfterSchool Works! New York is rooted in the belief that the primary drivers of program quality are the skills, experience and education of staff. This is true whether one is just starting out or has been working in the field for 25 years.

AfterSchool Works! New York: It Matters

Quality afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and support learning. Afterschool programs provide a safe, supervised place for constructive activities during the hours of 3-6 pm, the prime time for juvenile crime to occur. Afterschool programs also benefit working families by providing a safe and supervised place for their children so that they are able to be more productive, work more hours and move into better jobs. High-quality afterschool programs can also bolster academic achievement and, equally important, foster the development of critical social and emotional learning.

AfterSchool Works! New York: Advancing a Quality Workforce

AfterSchool Works!New York knows that a skilled, educated and engaged workforce ensures that children and youth participating in afterschool programs benefit from all that afterschool has to offer. A recent study found that staff with strong preparation, training and good working conditions provide higher quality programs as do those who are more highly educated and highly paid.

AfterSchool Works! New York administers the New York State School Age Care Credential which promotes quality services to children and families by providing specific standards, training and evaluation for afterschool professionals. In addition, AfterSchool Works! New York offers a full distance learning component of the credential coursework as well as statewide institutes designed to meet the training needs of afterschool professionals.

Afterschool programs can become accredited through NAA and its partner the Council on Accreditation once it demonstrates sustained program quality that provides for improved outcomes for children, youth and families. AfterSchool Works! New Yorkfacilitates program improvement and accreditation efforts through a system of advisors, endorsers and trainings rooted in national school-age care standards

AfterSchool Works! New York: Building a Professional Community

Members of AfterSchool Works! New York, make up the largest group of professionals (16,000 and growing!) dedicated to quality afterschool programs in New York State. As dual members in NAA, AfterSchool Works! New Yorkmembers enjoy such benefits as local and regional networking opportunities, reduced cost trainings, access to NAA’s virtual online member community, comprehensive, low-cost insurance plans as well as vendor discounts.

AfterSchool Works! New York fosters the afterschool profession through the exchange of information, expertise, knowledge and research and by expanding opportunities for afterschool professionals to come together