Starting an Afterschool Program
Don’t know where to start?
ACT Now’s toolkit hosts information on funding opportunities, key components for what makes a high-quality and engaging program, and resources for (and examples of) grants applications!
ACT Now Webinar: Creating Afterschool and Partnerships to Support Students Learning
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recently announced that it will be awarding ESSER III afterschool and summer learning funding DIRECTLY to school districts. To review ISBE’s ESSER III allocations, click here. In response, along with the Illinois Principals Association, ACT Now hosted webinars for school administrators in order to encourage collaboration between schools and community-based organizations for afterschool and summer learning opportunities.
Webinar Series
Starting an Afterschool Program: Research & Planning
Check out the first installment of our Starting an Afterschool Program webinar series: Research & Planning. During this webinar, you will learn about assembling a planning task force, conducting needs assessment surveys, establishing your organization’s mission and objectives, and more!
Click here to access the webinar recording!
Starting an Afterschool Program: Funding
Check out the second installment of our Starting an Afterschool Program webinar series: Funding. During this webinar, you will learn about different funding streams in Illinois, differences in public and private funding, notable terminology, the grant application process, and a chance to action plan.
Click here to access the webinar recording!
Starting an Afterschool Program:
Partnerships and Resources
Check out the second installment of our Starting an Afterschool Program webinar series: Partnerships & Resources. During this webinar, you will learn about professional development for OST providers, assembling a task force, and an introduction of our afterschool map and database.
Click here to access the webinar recording!
Additional Resources
Planning an Afterschool Program
- Start-Up Guides
- Building a Strong Program
- Management and Curriculum-Building
- Nonprofit Management
- Funding and Long-Term Sustainability
License and License Exempt
- Illinois Department of Human Services Child Care Guidance
- Facilities and Programs Exempt From Licensure
- CCAP and License Exempt
Afterschool Best Practices
Quality Standards and Resource Guides
Professional Development Opportunities
- Trainings and Webinars
- Afterschool Advocacy
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