1. Where the Family Fits Engaging Families Afterschool
Ben Trentelman – Jump Start

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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!

5. 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?

6. 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...

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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!

18. Contact Information
Ben Trentelman