The U.S. Congress has approved legislation to reopen the federal government, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history and restoring full funding through January 30, 2026. This decision ends weeks of disruption and uncertainty, allowing agencies and partners across the country to resume normal operations. What's Happening Now What this Means for Virginia Virginia's federal employees will receive retroactive pay and see reduced disruption going forward. During the shutdown, the Commonwealth stepped in with emergency measures (Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance Program, (VENA) to support residents who receive SNAP benefits. The VENA Program was paused indefinitely upon the reopening of the government, as federal rules prohibit operating dual systems (VENA and EBT) simultaneously. This pause indicates a transition back to federal SNAP implementation. As the federal government operations normalize, our OST programs (many of which partner with federal agencies and rely on federal funding or regulatory guidance) will benefit from restored stability.
Looking Ahead to 2026 While this agreement provides much-needed stability, it's also a short-term measure. Funding has been extended through January 30, 2026, meaning federal agencies, state partners, and non-profits (including our OST community) will once again face critical budget and policy discussions leading into the new year. As we look toward 2026, VPOST remains committed to: Monitoring developments that may affect afterschool and OST funding streams in Virginia. Advocating for continued stability and investment in OST programs at both the state and federal levels. Keeping our partners informed of any federal budget updates that could influence operations, grants, or workforce conditions across Virginia's OST landscape.
Our partners with the Afterschool Alliance have more information in the Afterschool Snack Blog here. | | | | Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. Celebrated this year on Thursday, October 23, LOA, a project of the Afterschool Alliance, has become a hallmark of the afterschool advocacy movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.
Across Virginia, organizations came together to shine a light on afterschool programs! Check out some of these celebrations below: | | | America & Virginia After 3PM | | Since 2004, the America After 3PM study has provided an essential view into how children and young people spend the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. What the fifth edition of this data-driven report shows is crystal clear: Families across the country - regardless of whether they live in rural, suburban, or urban communities, in a coastal state, or in the middle of the country - continue to want afterschool programs for their children. However, much of that demand remains unmet nationally, as more than 3 in 4 children whose parents want them in an afterschool program are missing out. | Virginia Specifics Children in Virginia not in afterschool programs are slightly higher (80%) than the national average of 77%. The 2025 report highlights nationwide demand and notes the barriers to participation, parental perceptions of afterschool programs, and parents' view on afterschool programs.
The report was unveiled at noontime on October 15, and an expert panel, including VPOST Board Member and Mayor of Harrisonburg Deanna Reed discussed the important findings. | | | | | Native American Heritage Month | | November is Native American Heritage Month
Nationally, and in Virginia, November is Native American Heritage Month. Take the opportunity to celebrate the history, culture, and lives of American Indians. Here are some resources to start with: Native American Heritage Collection: From PBS/VPM, this collection includes videos, lesson plans, and various media. Native Land: This interactive map allows you to enter an address to see the relevant indigenous territories in that location. Links to information on the corresponding nation, language, or treaty will appear. Indians in Virginia: This entry in the Encyclopedia Virginia, from the Virginia Humanities, provides a wealth of information on Indigenous communities and peoples of Virginia. National Park Service: As an archaeological site, Werowocomoco was confirmed in 2002, nearly 400 years after the Indian leader paramount chief Powhatan and his people interacted with Jamestown settlers here. This page contains information, including short videos.
| | | | | | 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!
A passionate committee of educators across Virginia contributed to the creation of The Quality Check. Thank you for your expertise in making this a tool that OST and summer learning professionals can revisit again and again to show stakeholders and decision makers their commitment to quality. | | Professional Development Survey | | VPOST wants to hear from you! Share details of your program, who you serve and what your professional development needs are so VPOST can better serve you. We will be giving away two $75 dollar Amazon gift cards each week between now - December 5 2025. This survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Take the survey today. | | | Now that autumn is here, add some opportunities that connect to the season and the outdoors. Explore Mizzen Education’s “The Natural World” collection, with hands-on activities for all ages, including scientific sketching and notebooking, weather, animal homes, caring for urban forests, and so many more. Mizzen was created for OST educators to easily add depth and variety to your curriculum and spark youth curiosity. Create your free account to see all they can offer you! | | |
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