Where the Family Fits Engaging Families Afterschool Ben Trentelman – Jump Start - 2016

We’re Going to Cover Expectations Roles Developmental Assets What is engagement? Collective Impact Strategies Why do the plan for improvement? We saw a number of programs stressing a little about the plan for improvement. There is no need! Just tell us what you want to do so we can help! You should want to create a plan for improvement because you want your program to be the best it can be, and when it feels like it is the best, make it better. There is always change, there is always need.

What are THE expectations? Parent expectations of programs? Yours of parents? Why do we want them involved? How do we want them involved? Can you answer these questions? You need to understand the need you are attempting to address and what your motivation is to engage with parents. Getting parents in isn’t your goal, getting your parents in for a specific outcome you have in mind is your goal.

What Do the Numbers Tell Us? In 2014: 99,148 children were left unsupervised between the hours of 3&6 PM 17% of youth in Utah Average of 6 hours unsupervised 2004: 23% of youth in Utah unsupervised America After 3 This is a big deal! What are these kids even doing? Where are they going? Are they safe? Am I safe? What is happening? Aaaah!

What Do the Numbers Tell Us? 92% of parents surveyed were satisfied with Afterschool Programs in 2014 2009: 86% Satisfied UAN founded in 2005… Just saying... 2004: 70% Satisfied America After 3, They like what they’re getting. What do they like about it?

What Do the Numbers Tell Us? 81% of parents support public funding for ASP 81% of parents say ASP gives them peace of mind about their kids while they work 71% agree that ASP helps them keep their job 58% believe ASP excites children about learning America After 3, What do these numbers tell us about why parents utilize afterschool programs vs. how staff plan programs to benefit youth? We aren’t a daycare… or are we...

Now back to those expectations Parent Nights Volunteers Running Activities Supporting academic/behavior goals Supporting the program: donating supplies and snacks, chaperoning, etc… Getting out of the car to pick their kids up instead of honking the horn on and on... Which of these things are on your lists of why you want to engage with parents?

But we aren’t a daycare… Or are we? What is the perspective of the parent? Where is the balance? Talk about Ali leaving afterschool early. Kids in program vs. kids with parent afterschool. Do we invite them to join us if they show up early?

How are we currently doing it? Is it right or wrong? Depends on what you want What need to you hope to address What are the pieces Where are you looking for answers? What kinds of needs assessments can you conduct with parents? It is common to send info out, but it can feel like parents aren’t always utilizing that info.

What can it look like? The overall goal is the well-being of the youth Provide parents with resources and opportunities to interact with youth in and out of your program Meet them where they are You are a part of their system of support as well as the youth in your program Know your capacity, resources, and what else is available

Their Kids Are Awesome, Tell Them! How do you communicate with parents about their kids? How you discuss issues, successes, and everything about their kids will help them build trust in you and buy-in in your program

40 Developmental Assets: External Assets: Relationships & Opportunities that young people experience in their families, schools, and communities Support Empowerment Boundaries & Expectations Constructive Use of Time Assets are not built through programs, they are built through relationships! Used with permission as part of the Essential of Asset Building Training of Trainers workshop.

40 Developmental Assets: Internal Assets: Competencies and values that youth develop internally to guide behaviors and choices Commitment to Learning Positive Values Social Competencies Positive Identity Assets are not built through programs, they are built through relationships! Used with permission as part of the Essential of Asset Building Training of Trainers workshop.

Principles of Asset Building All young people need assets Everyone can build assets Relationships are key Asset building is an ongoing process Consistent messages are crucial Repetition is important Consider and acknowledge your biases, give every youth opportunities to be engaged Used with permission as part of the Essential of Asset Building Training of Trainers workshop.

Strategies for Action Make It Possible Make it Simple Make the Most of Your Available Time Commit and Don’t forget Assets are not built through programs, they are built through relationships! Used with permission as part of the Essential of Asset Building Training of Trainers workshop.

What works? Numerous points of contact Understanding what is possible Understanding their unique needs Set expectations Establish ownership or sense of community Building relationships Make a clear ask What works with their kids? Influence Belonging Competence Parents living at the shelter

Resources and Research AIR: Social & Emotional Learning Practices: A Self Reflection Tool for Afterschool Staff Afterschool Alliance: America After 3 Report The Expanded Learning and Afterschool Project: Engaging Families in Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs: A Review of the Research SEARCH Institute: The Developmental Relationship Framework SEARCH Institute: The 40 Developmental Assets Harvard Family Research Project: Joining Forces: Families and Out-of-School Programs as Partners in Supporting Children’s Learning and Development National Afterschool Association The Afterschool Alliance The Utah Afterschool Network Assets are not built through programs, they are built through relationships!

Contact Information Ben Trentelman bent@utahafterschool.org 801.359.2722 www.utahafterschool.org