Fall 2018

In This Issue

• Afterschool Focus: Literacy
• Program Profile: Youth & Opportunity United 21st CCLC Finds Literacy in Everyday Life
• News from the Field: Project Success 21st CCLC Builds a Strong Foundation with Program Management

Afterschool Focus

You Don’t Have to Be a Reading Teacher to Support Literacy in Afterschool

When we think of literacy enrichment in afterschool, we might envision tutoring and homework help at a scheduled time, often provided by someone who teaches language arts during the school day. Although these activities undoubtedly have a role in afterschool programs, we encourage you to make literacy enrichment a program-wide endeavor that all staff can support.

• Learn more about literacy in afterschool.

Program Profile

Youth & Opportunity United 21st CCLC Finds Literacy in Everyday Life

Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.)  focuses on the whole-child approach to youth development and ensures that school stakeholders and caregivers are an active part of the 21st CCLC’s programming. In the area of literacy enrichment, Y.O.U. aims to offer literacy activities that help students build a reading life and see how literacy is a part of their everyday lives and interests.

• Read about Youth & Opportunity United 21st CCLC.

News from the Field

Project Success 21st CCLC Builds a Strong Foundation with Program Management

Whether you are starting a new 21st CCLC program or continuing an existing grant, fall means planning for a new year of afterschool programming. Project Success of Vermilion County 21st CCLC will do both: launch six new sites with a new grant that ISBE awarded in summer of 2018 and continue afterschool programming at five established sites.

• Learn more about Project Success 21st CCLC.

Recommended Resources

Lights On Afterschool

Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide event that celebrates afterschool programs and their impact on children and communities. This year’s event will be held on October 25, and registration is now open. Visit the Afterschool Alliance Lights On Afterschool website to register your site and get event-planning resources.

Literacy in Afterschool

This practice guide from the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy provides evidence-based information to help afterschool practitioners understand how students develop literacy skills. It also includes guidance for afterschool practitioners and a review of literacy curricula that afterschool programs might consider.

ReadWriteThink

ReadWriteThink provides information and free resources on reading and language arts instruction for a range of stakeholders, including afterschool providers. Resources include activities and projects, games and tools, tips and how tos, printouts, and podcasts.

Information for Grantees

Important Dates and Events

• September 14 — Benchmarking Tool Deadline for Spring 2018 Rosters
• October 9 — New Grantee Orientation, Springfield, IL
• October 10 — Fall Workshop, Springfield, IL
• October 20 — Expenditure Report Due for Quarter 1 (July–September)
• October 25 — Fall 2018 Resource Bulletin Release
• October 31 — Grant Periodic Performance Report Due for Quarter 1 (July–September)
• November 15 — Spring 2018 Data Submitted into 21 APR
• November 30 — Grantee Annual Local Evaluation Report Due
• December 6 — Winter 2018-19 Newsletter Release

Grants and Other Opportunities

Gateways to Opportunity, the Illinois Professional Development System, has professional development funds available through The Gateway Scholarship Program. These funds are available for eligible professionals working in early care and education or school-age programs who want to earn college credit, credentials, or degrees. Visit the Gateway webpage for additional details.

Join Us Online

Do you have a question for your afterschool colleagues? Would you like to know what’s going on in other Illinois 21st CCLC programs? Join the Illinois Quality Afterschool Facebook Group.

Would you like to receive the Illinois Quality Afterschool newsletter and resource brief? Fill out our online subscription form.

American Institutes for Research
1000 Thomas Jefferson Street NW
Washington, DC 20007-3835
202.403.5000
www.air.org

Copyright ©2018 by American Institute for Research. This publication was developed by AIR in 2018 and was funded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with support by the U.S. Department of Education. The content does not necessarily reflect the views of the AIR or any other source. This publication is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce and disseminate it in whole or in part is granted as long as appropriate acknowledgment is given.