Training for afterschool professionals begins April 28

3:28 p.m., April 7, 2008--UD's Center for Disabilities Studies, Early Learning Center, Cooperative Extension and Family and Workplace Connection are jointly offering “Moving Youth Ahead in School-age Programs,” a 64-hour professional development training program for staff who work in afterschool and summer programs.

Training will focus on the unique needs of school-age youth and planning activities and opportunities that support youth development, goal setting and leadership, as well as having fun. The program meets the requirements of the Delaware First Professional Development System.

The course will meet from 9:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from Monday, April 28, through Wednesday, June 4, at the Early Learning Center, 489 Wyoming Road, Newark.

The registration fee of $50 per person is due Friday, April 18. Lunch will be provided at no charge to course participants. Because this is a pilot program, the sessions are offered at a discounted rate to staff of school-age programs.

The class is limited to 25 students, and scholarships are available to employees of sites that serve low-income youth. To register, contact Family and Workplace Connection at (302) 479-1574.

Afterschool programs are encouraged to a send a team that includes the site director, site coordinator and/or site assistant. At least one member of the team must be a current employee of an afterschool program serving youth six years of age and older and have successfully completed Introduction to School-age Care, Training in Early Care and Education I (TECE I) or an equivalent college-level course.

Following the pilot, the course will be offered on a regular basis, serving as the community-based training required for people to work in programs serving school-age youth.

The mission of the Center for Disabilities Studies is to enhance the lives of individuals and families in Delaware through education, prevention, service and research related to disabilities. Independence and productivity are emphasized so that individuals and families can fully participate in the life of the community.