All staff members working in District elementary afterschool programs are highly qualified. Within six months of being hired, staff must complete Positive Ways to Work with Children, a training designed to prepare them for their new role in the afterschool program. They must also complete Playground Safety training and receive First Aid/CPR/AED certification. Once these requirements have been met, an additional twelve hours of professional development must be completed annually. In order to assist programs with this requirement, the Department of Afterschool Programming collaborates with its partners and other District departments to offer training to staff throughout the school year.
Oh, the Ways We Can Play is an annual field day professional development opportunity for District elementary afterschool staff. The event was designed to teach appropriate physical activities to afterschool site directors and staff through interactive and hands on activities, and counts towards their twelve hour professional development requirement. Oh, the Ways We Can Play consists of a continental breakfast, refreshments, games, entertainment and team building opportunities. In its inaugural year this event brought in just over 300 staff. The second annual event was held on April 11, 2015 and the number of participants increased to 344. Activities included Omnikin Ball, Ultimate Frisbee, relay races and brain breaks. In order to promote camaraderie within each school site, a banner contest was held and awards were given for school spirit. Vendors were on hand throughout the event to ensure staff had breakfast, water, snacks and plenty of entertainment.
- Afterschool Crisis Management
This training is provided by School Police and includes information on responding to critical incidents, developing a crisis plan, responding to codes, lock downs and evaluations as well as domestic violence relating to school staff and students. 114 afterschool staff received the Afterschool Crisis Management training during the 2014-2015 school year. - Afterschool Physical GamesThe Afterschool Physical Games training was designed to teach District elementary afterschool staff the policies and procedures for keeping physical activities safe and fun in the afterschool setting. This hands-on training provides staff with strategies for incorporating physical activities that are easy to implement, inclusionary, fun and age appropriate for students. Emphasis is placed on keeping students active for the entire period designated for physical play. 29 afterschool staff received the Afterschool Physical Games training during the 2014-2015 school year.
- Playground SafetyThe Playground Safety training is offered through the Department of Risk management and reviews measures for keeping students safe during outdoor activities as well as discusses procedures for reporting accidents. 142 afterschool staff received the Playground Safety training during the 2014-2015 school year.
- United States Tennis Association (USTA)Training is provided to District elmementary afterschool site directors and staff by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) several times per year to ensure that at least one staff member per site is trained in the implementation of a tennis program. This interactive on court workshop shows staff new ways to introduce students to tennis. It also provides an overview of the 10 & Under Tennis Play Format. 61 afterschool staff received the USTA training during the 2014-2015 school year.
- Corporate Care Works (CCW)Corporate Care Works (CCW) provided their Balance Stress and Time Management training, which offers employees the chance to take a moment for themselves. This in turn help them increase productivity in their work as an afterschool role model. 28 afterschool staff received the Balance Stress and Time Management training during the 2014-2015 school year.
- Staying Well After the BellDuring this exciting and hands-on training, participants discover their role as an advocate for wellness in their afterschool program. They also learn national nutrition and physical activity standards for children. 115 afterschool staff received the Staying Well After the Bell training during the 2014-2015 school year.
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