Category
April 26, 2023
We are proud to announce that Governor Scott has delivered an official proclamation in recognition of this week and the important work done by afterschool professionals.
Read Governor Scott's Proclamation
Vermont’s Department for Children and Families, Child Development Division would also like to recognize and express deep appreciation for the immense dedication of all the professionals who work with Vermont’s school-age children and youth during out-of-school time hours.
We recognize that Vermont’s out-of-school time professionals make a profound difference in the lives of every child and youth they serve, positively affecting families, communities, and ultimately businesses as well. These professionals help our children and youth reach their full potential by providing access, in a safe environment, to meaningful adult-child relationships and exposing them to new experiences and opportunities that extend beyond what they may gain at school or at home.
The Child Development Division is grateful to the out-of-school time professionals for what they do to partner with families to support school-age children's and youth’s social-emotional and physical health, growth, and development. In the last year, we have been proud to support them by:
- Supporting professional development via Vermont Afterschool and Northern Lights
- Licensing afterschool and summer programs serving school age youth
- Increasing program’s capacity to serve children via the Room for Me grant program administered by Vermont Afterschool
- Offering bonuses to out-of-school time professionals who increase their credentials
- Offering support and bonuses to programs via STARS quality recognition
- Adopting the National Afterschool Association’s Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies for Afterschool and Youth Development Professionals as the common standard here in Vermont (more about this coming soon!)
To all of Vermont's out-of-school time professionals: The role and services you provide to support and care for Vermont's children, youth, and families’ matter.
Thank you for all you do!