Michael Funk |
Source: Play Captains |
Source: AARP |
Michael Funk |
Source: Play Captains |
Source: AARP |
Source: Good Morning America |
By Sam Piha
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2019, many of us thought that this would only last a couple weeks. For some time, we thought of it as an acute crisis, as opposed to a chronic crisis. When communities were locked down and schools were closed, our views changed. Afterschool programs quickly pivoted to ensure that their youth and their families received food, supplies and needed resources for learning.
Recently we surveyed 37 afterschool leaders (directors, coordinators, trainers, etc.) to learn more about how afterschool programs were affected by the pandemic over time. We asked two questions: “How has COVID-19 changed your afterschool program?” and “Do you think these changes are permanent?”
Below we offer a summary of what we learned and cite some direct quotes from respondents.
Negative Impacts
Many responded that the pandemic created a staffing shortage (over 59%) and resulted in a reduction of afterschool services and attendance (both 30%). They reported other negative impacts on their programs, including
Source: www.ibcces.org |
"Covid protocols have changed the family interaction with our program as we have not been able to hold our in-person family events." – Afterschool Program Administrative Secretary, California
Source: Middlesex YMCA |
The negative impact on schools included a shortage of teachers, substitutes, and school-bus drivers. The negative impact on youth included
"COVID has shifted our focus to social and emotional support to students throughout the school day, especially in their classrooms and during non-structured times like lunch. Intentional community building is a big part of this kind of support -- with school-wide activities and initiatives to promote a sense of well-being. We are using contract funds to bring in mental health clinicians to support both students and families." – Afterschool Program Director, California
They also reported negative impacts on families, including family relationships and an increased demand for afterschool programs.
"COVID-19 has created a demand from families for after school care, families need a safe place for their children to be while they work. Families have more needs, not only for children to be safe after school, but for a place that is able to provide supper/snacks, assistance with homework and before school care as more and more families begin to work either graveyard or 2nd shifts in places of employment. Before and after school care programs offer many families working in education the ability to drop off their children at their own schools where they work." – Afterschool Program Staff, California
Positive Impacts
Many also reported positive impacts including a stronger relationship with host schools and a greater appreciation among parents and educators regarding the support offered by afterschool programs.
"The families in the community are coming to realize how important after school programs are for them to be able to have a safe place for their children." – Afterschool Program Coordinator, California
"When the pandemic started and schools were closed, the afterschool coordinators were key players on making sure the families received information and schools knew what families needed to support learning at home. From there, the leader’s roles changed to case management and technology ambassadors. We partnered with the district and other CBOs to ensure the families could have their basic needs met. These actions strengthened our relationship with teachers, school administrators and families." – Afterschool Program Director, California
"We developed more flexibility and creativity in delivering programs and serving our students. Our adapting to create and provide a large number of valuable virtual classes was greatly appreciated by students, parents, and school administrators." – Afterschool Provider, California
Permanent?
When asked if these impacts were permanent, most thought they would eventually fade, but not for 2 or more years.
"I am hopeful that these impacts are not permanent, however, I expect it to take roughly 2 years to get back to where we need to be." – Afterschool Program Director, California
"I don't think that these negative impacts will be permanent. However, I do think that, academically, it will take a considerable amount of time to get these students back up to grade level. Emotionally, it may take years for these kids to recuperate from having a stifled social life due to the pandemic." –Afterschool Program Coach, California
YOU CAN SAY THANKS!
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2019, we gained a new understanding of why afterschool workers are essential workers. Over the last two years, afterschool programs have pivoted to meet the new needs of schools, youth and their families. Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 25 – 29, 2022) is a perfect time to say “thanks” to afterschool workers.
Begin planning how you will celebrate and acknowledge afterschool programs. To learn more, access talking points and a communication toolkit, go to https://naaweb.org/ideas.
By Sam Piha
Providing opportunities for youth to reflect on and express their thoughts and feelings are critical strategies for any afterschool program. These opportunities are essential to promoting youth voice, healthy youth development, social emotional skills and resiliency, especially for those who have experienced trauma. The integration of writing is a very powerful way to do this. Strategies and activities include poetry, spoken word and journaling. Previous LIAS blogs focused on poetry and journal writing.
“Offering young people meaningful writing opportunities allows them to share their ideas and using their voice helps them communicate and feel agency.” – Afterschool Provider ED, California
Peter Kahn |
Later we saw him featured on the PBS Newshour where he gave his Brief But Spectacular take on how spoken word poetry amplifies student voice. “I used to hate poetry. I hated it as a student. I hated it as a teacher”, he said. “I was inept at teaching it. And in the mid-’90s, I brought in a former student, Jonathan Vaughn, to help me out. And he came in. And he mentioned the idea of a poetry slam. And my students asked if we could do that. So, we went ahead and did a poetry slam. And the student with the lowest grade in my class ended up winning it. And everybody looked at the kid differently after that. And he looked at himself differently, more importantly.”
Source: PBS |
In collaboration with his current and former students, Kahn has released an anthology, Respect the Mic: Celebrating 20 Years of Poetry from a Chicagoland High School.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2019, we gained a new understanding of why afterschool workers are essential workers. Over the last two years, afterschool programs have pivoted to meet the new needs of schools, youth and their families.
“What we saw during the pandemic was a recognition from K-12 educators of, ‘Wow, afterschool staff have something to bring. These people have something to offer that can help support the whole child in a compelling way.’ I am heartened that expanded learning time is increasingly being recognized as something powerful, effective, and transformative. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I'm seeing more educational leaders look at expanded learning as a field, differently.” – Michael Funk, Director of Expanded Learning, California Department of Education
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 25 – 29, 2022) is a perfect time to say “thanks” to afterschool workers.
According to the National Afterschool Association, “Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations and public relations efforts encouraging appreciation and support for all the afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of young people.
Afterschool Professionals are skilled individuals who work with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings to provide a wide variety of positive developmental relationships and experiences during out-of-school hours. Currently, in the U.S., an estimated 850,000 individuals are practicing members of the afterschool profession.
An estimated 10.2 million children participate in afterschool programs each year, and for every child in an afterschool program, there are two more waiting to get in. Every young person deserves quality afterschool experiences that positively impact their development. It takes skilled professionals to create these experiences. Because of the important role afterschool professionals play in the lives of kids, they deserve recognition and support.”
“When the pandemic started and schools were closed in March 2020, the afterschool coordinators were key players in making sure the families receive information, and schools knew what families needed to support learning at home. From there, our program leaders' role changed to case management and technology ambassadors. We partnered with the district and other CBO's to ensure the families could have their basic needs met. These actions strengthened our relationship with teachers, school administrators and families.” – Youth Worker, Bay Area Community Resources
Begin planning how you will celebrate and acknowledge afterschool programs. To learn more, access talking points and a communication toolkit, go to https://naaweb.org/ideas.
Source: Real Options for City Kids San Francisco (ROCK SF) By Sam Piha Afterschool youth programs, sometimes referred to as out-of-school ...