New York State Network for Youth Success

New York State Network for Youth Success knows that a skilled, educated and engaged workforce ensures that children and youth participating in afterschool programs benefit from all that afterschool has to offer. A recent study found that staff with strong preparation, training and good working conditions provide higher quality programs as do those who are more highly educated and highly paid. The New York State Network for Youth Success administers the New York State School-Age Care Credential which promotes quality services to children and families by providing specific standards, training and evaluation for afterschool professionals. (Continued on Schedule O)In addition, the New York State Network for Youth Success offers a full distance learning component of the credential coursework as well as statewide institutes designed to meet the training needs of afterschool professionals. During 2023, the Network continued a systems building initiative within the credential. Year three of offering monthly learning communities for SAC Advisors, Endorsers, Instructors, and Host Agency Support staff has been fruitful. Thirteen learning communities were facilitated by Network staff, credentialed trainers, and seasoned SAC instructors and advisors on topics such as filling out the advisor tool, goal creation, program management, professionalism and many more. Over fifty members of the SAC community attended. After each virtual presentation, recordings were created, and resources were gathered and put in a Google Classroom for anyone who missed the live version to review or for those that did attend to use as a resource. We are in our second year of the advisor mentor program, pairing seasoned advisors with new advisors for their first advisor visits. Seasoned advisors began reviewing their mentee's (new advisors) advisor tool, meeting with them to discuss challenges, areas of opportunity, and successes. They also help the new advisor to create an action plan with goals to improve. Each of these added processes are helping to ensure our advisors are prepared to assist their SAC Credential candidates in the credential process. We have completely revamped and updated our new advisor training using Google Classroom. New advisors navigate through a series of learning modules on topics such as Using the SAC Manual, How to Fill out the Advisor Tool, and SMART Goals. Upon completion, participants take a quiz to demonstrate their competence. In 2023, we had 14 new advisors begin the process. We started conversations with a new prospective host agency and have set up meetings with several prospective new SAC instructors. The Network continued offering virtual and asynchronous SAC Credential courses. We offered two cohorts in the spring, one in the summer, and one in the fall in our live-virtual platform. We offered one cohort in the spring and one cohort in the fall for our asynchronous platform. In 2023, we continued to work on improving our distance learning (asynchronous) course. Our Capacity Building Coordinator, and the instructor of the course, earned her New York State Training and Technical Assistance Trainer Credential to gain knowledge of design and development of training. The Fall distance learning Part 1 was moved to Google Classroom and added additional content including looking at the curriculum through a diversity, equity, and inclusion perspective. We went from 28 hours of training to getting it approved for 37.5 hours. The Spring distance learning Part 2 was also expanded from 28 to 37.5 hours and put into Google Classroom. 118 individuals received their credential (either new or renewal) in 2023. There are currently 319 credentialed professionals through the New York State Network for Youth Success. The New York State Network for Youth Success offers an annual conference to provide high-quality training hours in a number of requested topics by trainers from across the state. The conference provides an opportunity for professionals from all over New York to network and share ideas, increasing the quality of staff and programming throughout the state. This was our first in-person conference since 2019. It took place on March 24 and 25. We partnered with Change Impact to host 21st Century Programs on Friday, March 24. This allowed us to add specific 21CCLC training on Friday for those participants. 413 participants registered for Friday and 198 registered for Saturday, and several presenters were registered over two days. Each day included three 1.5 hour sessions and one .5 hour speed session. Topics included social and emotional learning, mental wellness, diversity, equity and inclusion, family engagement, nutrition, drama, behavior management, and much more. Several vendors joined us including Mizzen Education, who sponsored head shots, Brockport Research Institute, Hunger Solutions kid-Grit, Aspire and more. We had a wide array of platinum, gold, and silver sponsors. Sponsors included Brightside Up, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, and Early Care and Learning Council. We also hosted the third annual awards recognizing exemplary individuals and organizations in the field. Four individuals and two programs were recognized at this event.The New York State Network for Youth Success supports 15 regional afterschool networks across the state of New York. These networks serve as conveners for afterschool providers in the community to come together for networking, training, and advocacy opportunities. The Network provides administrative support to help sustain these networks through the CEO and Department Leaders. The Regional Networks are active members of the Network's Advisory Council, Policy Committee, and Public Funding Taskforce. The New York State Network for Youth Success seeks to increase the sustainability of afterschool programs by helping eligible programs enroll for reimbursement for their afterschool meals and snacks through the Child and Adult Care Food Program.