The Humboldt County Office of Education’s Afterschool Consortium is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week April 20-24, 2020, along with many other national and state organizations and programs, to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.
“We believe Afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people,” said Dr. Beth Chaton, Humboldt County Office of Education Afterschool Program Coordinator. “We encourage everyone to join us this week in thanking the afterschool professionals in their lives.”
Why is it important to recognize Afterschool Professionals?
An estimated 4,000 children participate in afterschool programs across Humboldt County each year through California’s After School Education and Safety (ASES) grant program, federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs and privately funded programs.
Across the state, our publicly funded programs provide expanded learning opportunities to over 9,800,000 of California’s students with the greatest needs, through nearly 4,500 expanded learning programs. At some sites, 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. These professionals play an important role in the lives of kids keeping them engaged, safe and active during after school hours.
What is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week?
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. While our school-based programs are currently closed, afterschool professionals are helping children and their families by creating activity kits, putting food bags together, reading to children over the phone or video and even doing home visits (at a distance).
These dedicated afterschool professionals miss their students, and our hearts go out to both staff and students at this time when we would be actively celebrating their commitment to quality programs. Afterschool professionals work to connect children to active, engaged learning to build upon what happens during the regular school day. We greatly appreciate all our afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of young people every single day.
Who is an Afterschool Professional?
Afterschool Professionals are skilled individuals who give their all to create unique opportunities for students that may not be otherwise available. They work in diverse school settings to provide a wide variety of positive developmental relationships and experiences during the out-of-school hours. They regularly go above and beyond in order to inspire each young person to be their best.
For more information about Humboldt County’s Afterschool Programs, please contact Beth Chaton at (707) 445-7179 or bchaton@hcoe.org.
More information on Afterschool Professionals Appreciate Week can be found at: http://www.heartofafterschool.com.