Boynton Beach, FL, April 28, 2022 – Prime Time Palm Beach County is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week in April, along with the National AfterSchool Association, to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school time hours.
“Research shows that afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of our youth,” said Katie Jacob, Director of Communications, Prime Time Palm Beach County. “We encourage everyone to join us during this week in thanking the afterschool professionals in their lives.”
This year we are taking an all-hands-on deck approach to ensuring our afterschool professionals feel appreciated. As an organization and members of the community, our team recognizes the practitioners who have showed up for youth and families during some of the scariest times we could have ever imagined. They showed up and cared for our youth ensuring their safety and health were at the forefront of every decision while helping to make the hours after school a time where they can laugh and learn with friends.
“This year our entire organization is taking part in making sure that afterschool programs that are part of the Palm Beach County Quality Improvement System and Martin County OST Quality Improvement Initiative (more than 145 sites) are visited by a Prime Time staff member who will greet the program with a small token of our appreciation” said Teal Chance, Director of Quality Improvement, Prime Time Palm Beach County. “Our youth spend many hours in their afterschool programs, and the staff who participate in our Quality Improvement System strive every day to make sure the youth develop the skills necessary to be successful in school and life. Those staff need to know how valuable they are.”
Why is it important to recognize Afterschool Professionals?
An estimated 10.2 million children participate in afterschool programs each year, and for every child in an afterschool program there are two more waiting to get in. Every young person deserves quality afterschool experiences that positively impact their development. It takes skilled professionals to create these experiences. Because of the important role afterschool professionals play in the lives of youth, they deserve recognition and support!
What is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week?
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. Out-of-school hours are define as time before school, after school, summer and school breaks. The week is marked by celebrations, public relations, and advocacy efforts encouraging appreciation and support for afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of young people. -more http://www.heartofafterschool.com #HeartofAfterschool
Who is an Afterschool Professional?
Afterschool professionals are skilled individuals who work with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings to provide a wide variety of positive developmental relationships and experiences during out-of-school hours. Currently in this country, an estimated 850,000 individuals are practicing members of the afterschool profession.
For more information about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week visit: http://www.heartofafterschool.com
Pictured above: Left: Prime Time Quality Advisor Andrea Hurtado and Afterschool Professionals at Renaissance Charter School in Wellington, Florida.
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