Wed, April 09, 2025
9:00 am - 10:00 am

Connecting the DOTS: Growing Together (Directors/Asst Dir. Only)

One idea, one hour. Learn key skills and practical principles in 60 minutes. Connecting the DOTS (Directors Only Training Space) provides targeted training and support to new and seasoned directors and assistant directors in the out-of-school time (OST) field. These quarterly sessions will help you strengthen best practices for quality programming, staff development and personal leadership growth in your OST program.

This training focuses on equipping you with effective strategies to foster a culture of ongoing learning and continuous improvement at your program. You will learn practical approaches for creating an environment where staff are motivated, supported, and empowered to enhance their skills and grow professionally. By the end of the training, you will leave with several practical strategies to foster professional growth within your staff to provide high-quality, impactful experiences for the youth they serve.

Upon successful completion of this training, the participant will earn 1.0 clock hours (.1 CEUs) of training.

Training Objectives  

Participants will:

  1. Explain the tenets of positive youth development as it relates to out-of-school time.
  2. Develop strategies to create a culture of ongoing learning.

Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies Addressed (CKSCs):  

Program Planning and Development 

Program Planning and Evaluation 

Apply – A. Aligns daily practices with the program’s philosophy, policies, and procedures.

Amplify – A. Advocates for strategic Planning, goal setting, and evaluation for continuous program improvement.

Amplify- D. Recommends and promotes organizational and program policies, practices, PD, and funding that facilitate effective program planning and evaluation.

Professional Development and Leadership 

Ongoing Professional Growth 

Apply – B. Develops and implements a professional development plan.

Apply – D. Engages in continuous, collaborative professional development for the benefit of self and others.

Amplify – B. Models for, teaches, mentors, and coaches other’s professional growth.

Amplify – C. Supports others development and implementation of professional development plans.

Amplify – D. Recommends and promotes organization and program policies, practices, PD, and funding that support the facilitation of professional growth.

Primary QIS Scales Addressed: 

II. Supportive Environment

II-J. Active Learning

IV. Engaging Environment

IV-O. Furthering Learning