Afterschool Programs December Vacation Curriculum Planning

Thursdays 12/4, 12/11, 12/18

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Online via Zoom

Facilitated by Jennifer Reth

Office Hours with Jen Reth

November 13, 10 AM - 12 PM

November 17, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

December 1, 10 AM - 12 PM

December 15, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Interested in learning more about Professional Development services and resources? Email jreth@massafterschool.org to schedule a 15-minute information session with MAP’s Program Support Specialist, Jennifer Reth.

Fostering Inclusive Joy: Holiday Learning Activities for Diverse Learners

The holidays should be a time of wonder and discovery for all, yet traditional celebrations often leave learners with different abilities feeling excluded. This year, let's embrace the spectrum of learning styles and abilities within our classrooms and homes, designing engaging and accessible holiday activities that ignite curiosity and empower all learners.

Expanded Direct(or) Connection for OST

Due to the overwhelming interest in Direct(or) Connection for OST, the Southeast PDC in collaboration with MAP are thrilled to announce that this Community of Practice (CoP) will now meet twice a month instead of once, starting in November. This gives you more opportunities to participate and engage at times that work best for you.

New Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Upcoming Dates: November 10, November 20, December 8, December 18, January 5, January 15

Attend one or both sessions each month, whatever works best for you! Certificates will be issued in June, and EEC training hours will be credited based on your participation.

The Zoom link is the same for all sessions: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84243047633

Becoming a Social Emotionally Skilled Teacher

Are you interested in learning more about how Social Emotional Learning can impact the way you work with children?

We will bring in our real-life experiences and unpack the truths and myths about SEL and how we can best support children in our care on a day-to-day basis when we understand what social and emotional development is all about!

NBA Math Hoops Curriculum

NBA Math Hoops uses the excitement of basketball and the NBA/WNBA brands to engage students in grades 3-8 while teaching math and social-emotional skills. The program begins with preseason activities where students draft teams, analyze player data, and commit to shared values through a Sportsmanship Contract. This initial phase helps students build a foundation of teamwork and data literacy.

The regular season introduces essential gameplay rules, strategies, and mathematical concepts, allowing students to practice and apply their skills. As the season progresses, students develop their understanding of gameplay and enhance their strategic thinking.

The program culminates in the Playoffs, where students put their strategies to the test and demonstrate sportsmanship in a competitive setting. NBA Math Hoops boosts algebra readiness and fosters self-regulation and executive function skills, all while being adaptable to in-school, out-of-school, and home learning environments.

31 Days of Kids Activities for December!

Watch: Winter Holidays Around the World for Kids

Meet a MAP Trainer: Ricky Baez

Ricky Baez is a youth development leader with over 15 years of experience supporting out-of-school time (OST) educators and community partners in creating safe, inclusive, and high-engagement learning environments for young people. Known for his practical, relationship-based approach, Ricky specializes in coaching staff on student behavior, trauma-responsive strategies, and classroom leadership that builds belonging. He has led trainings across multiple youth-serving organizations and continues to support frontline educators in strengthening culture, connection, and consistency in their programming.

Behavior with Belonging: Practical Strategies for Managing Behaviors

An interactive training focused on helping OST staff build positive behavior systems rooted in connection, clarity, and consistency. Participants explore real-world strategies for preventing challenging behaviors before they start, responding in ways that preserve dignity, and creating environments where every young person feels seen, supported, and part of the community. Through scenarios, discussion, role playing, and reflection, staff walk away with practical tools they could immediately apply in their programs.

This workshop can be delivered in 2, 3 or 4 hour increments in person.

Contact Lisa Demoulias at ldemoulias@massafterschool.org to arrange a day and time that works for your program. Fee is dependent on hours of the session.