As of October 1, the federal government began a partial shutdown for the first time since 2019. The Senate failed to pass two different stopgap funding bills that would end a shutdown. Key federal funding for afterschool programs such as 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), and the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) are not expected to be impacted in the near term. VPOST will continue to monitor these and other federal afterschool supports with the help of the Afterschool Alliance. For the latest updates on the shutdown, and its impact on the afterschool field and programs, please read the Alliance’s blog.
We also urge you to continue to use your voice and contact your federal representatives. They should know how this shutdown may impact your programs, staff, and families. The more information you can share with them and the more voices they hear, the better informed they will be about how afterschool programs are crucial to communities throughout Virginia. Thank you for your continued advocacy! | | | | 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.
This year, your voice is more important than ever due to the current partial shutdown of the US government. Federal and state legislators must be aware of how crucial we are to the fabric of communities, so we encourage you to show your advocacy throughout October by hosting an event (e.g., open house, poetry slam, community fair) to demonstrate your quality.
Register your event on the Afterschool Alliance map. After you complete this easy step, invite legislators to your event using sample language for your invitations. Help Virginia reach 300 events listed on the map to demonstrate the wide array and diversity of programs across the Commonwealth! | | | Workgroup on the Care of School-Age Children | | Earlier this summer, VPOST joined the legislatively directed Virginia Department of Education workgroup The Future of the Care of School-Age Children in Virginia, alongside the Afterschool Alliance and other partners to take a close look at health and safety expectations, as well as program quality, relating to out-of-school time (OST) programs. Between June-September, these meetings provided an opportunity to share the realities OST providers face daily and to lift up solutions that keep children safe while also making high-quality programs accessible to families.
Together, the workgroup offered recommendations to develop policies or next steps that support safety, strengthen program quality, and recognize the unique role of afterschool and summer programs. These recommendations will be delivered to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education and Health by December 1, 2025.
VPOST is proud to have been part of these important conversations and will continue working with partners to champion safe, enriching opportunities for young people across the Commonwealth. | | | | First celebrated in 1992 in Berkeley, California, Indigenous Peoples Day is now observed by many U.S. cities and several states. The day celebrates the hundreds of thriving Indigenous nations present in pre-Columbian America and their cultures. Most importantly, Indigenous nations and cultures are not only part of America’s past, but also a burgeoning population in America’s present and future.
Tech & Learning has an excellent list of activities and resources you can add to your curriculum in a respectful way to broaden youth knowledge and awareness of the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples. | | | | | | The VPOST team is still reeling over the success of last month’s annual conference. Dynamic workshops, a vibrant exhibitor hall, the worthy recipients of the newly named Roberta Newman OST Champion Award, and wonderful keynote speaker Sheneika Simmons truly showcased “The Heartbeat of OST!” Thank you for your positive feedback that we will use to create an even better conference in 2026. | | Quality Check Tool Info Session | | Join the virtual launch of the Quality Check Tool on Wednesday, October 29, at 12:30 PM! This 30-minute, lunch-and-learn style session will introduce this easy-to-use tool, designed to correspond with the Quality Standards for Virginia Out-of-School Time Programs. The Quality Check walks users through a step-by-step process to assess program quality, facilitate group conversations, and set meaningful goals. Don’t miss this chance to explore how the tool can support continuous improvement in your program. Register using this link, and if you have any questions, please contact Christine Jones Monaccio. | | | | Have you thought about sharing your knowledge at a national conference? If so, the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is currently accepting proposals for their conference in March 2026 in Washington, DC. VPOST knows firsthand the quality and innovation happening in OST programs. Presenting at a national level to your peers shows your commitment to quality and is a superb addition to your resume! Whether it’s a solo effort or in collaboration with a partner or group, your knowledge can transform others’ practice.
Submit your proposal by the deadline of Monday, October 20! | | MENTOR Virginia's 2025 Champions of Mentoring | | For the third consecutive year, MENTOR Virginia (MVA) will honor mentoring programs in Virginia at its Champions of Mentoring event. This event will reunite mentors, mentees, mentoring program coordinators/managers, partners, and the MENTOR Virginia Board of Directors and staff in recognizing programs and organizations that embody the principles of building positive mentoring relationships.
The 2025 Champions of Mentoring will spotlight mentors, mentees, and mentoring program staff who are passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for young people in Virginia.
Purchase your ticket today, which includes appetizers and drinks, and come celebrate with us on October 23, at 5:30 p.m. at The Branch Museum of Design in Richmond. | | | 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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