| | VPOST Article Featured in the Fall 2025 Issue of AfterSchool Today, Voices for Change: Advocacy in Action | | | We are so excited to share that VPOST's Professional Development and Quality Coordinator, Christine Jones Monaccio, has been featured in the Fall 2025 issue of AfterSchool Today, Voices for Change: Advocacy in Action. This special joint publication from the Afterschool Alliance and National Afterschool Association (NAA) highlights Christine's article: Raising Voices and Protecting Programs: Tools and Lessons Learned for Afterschool Advocacy.
The afterschool field is full of unsung heroes who create safety, belonging, and possibility for children and youth. Their stories of impact matter. Decision-makers need to see and hear the value of this work. Our hope is that the guide featured in the article inspires more people in our field to share their stories and shine a light on the power of afterschool.
Read the article here. | | | Next Afterschool Alliance Policy Pulse: December 12
Welcome to the Policy Pulse! Every second Friday at noon ET, our own Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. Register here. | | | NAA 26 Convention, March 11–14, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is thrilled to invite you to NAA26, the largest gathering of out-of-school time professionals in the nation. VPOST is proud to serve as the NAA Affiliate for Virginia.
This year’s theme Dream. Dare. Do. is a bold call to action for our field. At a time when OST and summer programs are facing serious challenges, NAA26 will be a space to reconnect with purpose, gather strength, and take action.
Whether you're a new professional or a seasoned leader, you'll find powerful learning, inspiring keynotes, and a vibrant community at NAA26.
Learn more and register today! | | | | Quality Check Tool Now Available
VPOST’s newest tool is The Quality Check, a companion to the Quality Standards. It offers OST professionals a clear, step-by-step process to reflect on how their program lives out the Standards, celebrates successes, and uses a team-focused approach to achieve even higher quality. VPOST understands that teams are at various points on the road to quality. Therefore, the tool is flexible; Focus on one area or multiple areas; it’s entirely up to you! Get the tool here! | | | Meals Assistance
Virginia families feeling the strain of holiday school closures can still find dependable meal support for children through a range of statewide resources. The Federation of Virginia Food Banks and its seven regional partners continue to offer kid-friendly distributions, backpack programs, and community pantry access across the Commonwealth. Local food banks offer youth-focused services that help bridge meal gaps when schools are out. Additionally, SUN Meals sites offer free meals to all children and teens at community locations during school breaks, with no enrollment required. VPOST encourages partners and families to use these resources to ensure every young person has access to nutritious meals throughout the holiday season. | | | Mizzen Education
Mizzen Education is an all-in-one free mobile app uniquely created with and for the out-of-school time field.
Check out the Mizzen x PBS News Collaboration! Designed for grades 3-5, this 6-part collection helps young learners grow as creatives, communicators, and storytellers. Students will learn to spot trustworthy sources and shape audience perception while pitching story ideas, crafting interviews, and recording segments. Through these hands-on, out-of-school activities, you’ll watch your students build empathy, curiosity, and confidence. Get it here! | | | STEM Next Check out STEM Next's resource page for afterschool STEM. Here you'll find success stories, perspectives, and latest news, as well as frameworks, activities, and guides to help afterschool leaders and educators bring high-quality STEM to life. | | |
|
|
