Full STEAM Ahead! OST Conference
April 25th, 2024 | 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join the Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership for our FREE spring conference, “Full STEAM Ahead!” MAP will be joined by presenters from across Massachusetts to share best practices in afterschool and summer science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education, including presentations on basic STEAM, incorporating arts into STEM, and working in the environment. We look forward to seeing you there!
Supporting Program Quality
MAP helps support program quality of afterschool and summer programs through professional development opportunities and other quality supports. From professional learning communities to individualized coaching, there are opportunities to help your program thrive. Explore opportunities below!
“Coaching with Jen has been such a huge help with running our program. She is a wealth of knowledge and I continue to learn with her guidance. Jen is so supportive and is always looking for new tools and ways to help our program grow, her coaching has been such an asset to Delvante and I.”
National Afterschool Association
The NAA has a new membership structure. Click below to learn more!
MAP is the state affiliate of the National Afterschool Association. The National Afterschool Association is the professional membership association for people who work with and for youth during Out-of-School time. NAA fosters positive youth outcomes by supporting, developing, and advocating for afterschool professionals and leaders. The Association is the leading network of OST professionals. Click here to learn more!
Free Professional Development Opportunities
Welcome to OST
This training series is designed for entry-level staff with less than one year of experience in the Out-Of-School-Time (OST) field. Participants will gain insights into the expectations that align with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for educators and youth workers in the OST sector. The training covers topics such as understanding the learning processes of children and youth, creating safe and stimulating learning environments using developmentally appropriate practices, and engaging young individuals in developing social skills and knowledge. Additionally, the program delves into employing suitable guidance techniques tailored to specific age groups and developmental stages, grounded in realistic and age-appropriate expectations. Participants will also benefit from valuable, free resources shared during the sessions, accompanied by job-embedded activities for practical application.
Change is Constant
In this training, we dive into the art of handling change, both personally and within professional environments. Using the allegorical tale 'Who Moved My Cheese?' by Dr. Spencer Johnson, which follows the journey of two mice and two people in search of 'cheese' in a maze, we draw profound insights on adapting to change in work and life. This concise and accessible book serves as our guide, offering valuable lessons applicable to various contexts. This Professional Learning Community (PLC) focuses on translating these lessons into practical strategies for navigating change, especially in the Afterschool setting. Through discussions, participants will share experiences, explore effective coping mechanisms, and learn methods to support others in embracing change positively. The book, provided for participants or accessible on YouTube, will serve as a foundation for our discussions, providing a shared framework to understand and integrate positive change within Out-of-School Time (OST) programs.
Direct(or)’s Connection
Join fellow Out of School-Time (OST) Directors and Administrators in this exclusive networking opportunity, where we collectively support the success of our programs. Through this series, you'll have the chance to build valuable professional connections within the field, assess both current strengths and areas with potential growth, apply reflective practice strategies for continuous quality improvement plans, and gain fresh ideas and insights into best practices that can be seamlessly integrated into your work.
"Lisa was a fantastic coach for me this past year. Having this coaching support from her and the entire team at MAP has been a wonderful help for me and our program. Whether someone is relatively new to this field, like myself, or someone who may just be looking for additional support throughout the year, this has been a great way to help answer any of my random questions, help find areas to improve on, and to have someone who is there to help that AS/OST employee in all areas of our programs."
“I cannot put in to words how much Jen’s support as a coach has helped me to grow. Her guidance has helped me to make difficult decisions regarding my business and staffing and to move forward personally and professionally."
EEC Professional Development Requirements
EEC Requires Large Group and School Age Child Care [See 606 CMR 7.09(19)(b)]
1. Educators working fewer than ten hours per week shall complete a minimum of five hours of professional development activities per year;
2. Educators working at least ten but fewer than 20 hours per week shall complete a minimum of 12 hours of professional development activities per year;
3. Educators working 20 or more hours per week shall complete a minimum of 20 hours of professional development activities per year.
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Course Catalog
MAP’s Professional Development Team includes a database of trainers with various levels of diversity and expertise on subject matter that reflects the MA Department of Early Education and Care’s Core Competencies and National Afterschool Association’s Core Knowledge, Skills and Competencies.
MAP’s professional development sessions can be offered in several formats: 2, 3, 4 or 5-hour training sessions during the day or evening or in a Professional Learning Communities (PLC) format. A PLC is usually offered in a two- or three-part series, each session in the series is 2 hours and there is a job-embedded activity between sessions.
All training can be done virtually or in person. Trainings can be adapted and created based on an After School and Out of School Time (ASOST) program or organization’s needs and staff’s experience. MAP will provide a training certificate to all participants upon completion.
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Program Improvement Plans
In addition to professional development, MAP can support your afterschool program in identifying other areas for program improvement. These services include conducting an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for your program (SWOT Analysis).
More information coming soon!
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Initiatives
MAP is part of a national network that supports programs in meeting their needs. From STEAM curriculum and equity frameworks to entrepreneurship activities, there are a number of initiatives happening around the state to expand and strengthen your programming- and often for free!
Click here to learn more about our initiatives.