Starting an Afterschool Program
Don’t know where to start?
We made a toolkit.
ACT Now’s Starting an Afterschool Program Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to takes you from learning, to planning, and growing a high-quality afterschool program. The toolkit contains:
- Recruitment templates
- Licensing requirements
- Community research guides
- Funding opportunities
- and more!
Resources & Links
Report broken links to ACT Now at hello@actnowillinois.org
Webinar Series
Needs Assessment Template
Template to aid the collection of data that shows both assets and gaps in community services
Creating Afterschool Partnerships Toolkit
Toolkit on building successful community partnerships for afterschool programs
Afterschool Map & Database
Self-reported map of afterschool and community school programs in Illinois
Mission & Vision Statement Worksheet
DonorBox’s guide for conversation to develop mission and vision statements for your organization
Webinar Series:
Grant Writing
Watch ACT Now’s three-part series on public grant writing on ANCAL
Find Grants with SPEAR
ACT Now’s online tool and database for active grants and sustainability solutions
Training: GATA Learning System
Explore the State of Illinois’ resources for applying for grants via GATA
MOU Template
ACT Now’s template for creating Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) for partnerships
Fundraising Recommendations
Explore DonorBox’s best fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations
Fiscal Planning Checklist
Check out You4Youth’s fiscal management tools for afterschool programs
Designing Program Activities Guide
Find WNET Thirteen Education’s guide to planning yearly activities
Curriculum:
Mizzen by Mott
Join Mizzen Education’s free platform for afterschool curriculums
CASEL:
SEL Competencies
Learn about the best practices for social-emotional learning
Curriculum:
Curiosity Machine
Explore a variety of hands-on curriculums for youth and families
Webinar Series:
Cultural Responsiveness
Watch ACT Now’s recorded and upcoming training series on developing culturally responsive programs
Curriculum: BOOST Cafe
Explore free curriculum and join an online community for afterschool providers
Youth Voice Toolkit
Check out Becko & Raven’s toolkit on developing youth-centered programs
You4Youth Interest Survey
Check out You4Youth’s template interest survey for elementary and middle school-aged youth
Policy Template
Customize our policy and procedure template to fit your program
Sample Parent Handbook
Check out the Iowa Afterschool Alliance’s sample parent handbook to customize to your program
Illinois State Employer Standards
Review the Illinois employee standards for personnel records
Webinar Series: 3Rs of Workforce Planning
Watch ACT Now’s webinar series on the key methods to Reset, Recruit, and Retain staff
Sample OST Job Posting
Customize our sample job posting to fit your program needs
Webinar Series: Safety & Health at Workplace
Watch ACT Now’s webinar offering on health and safety in the workplace
Neurodiversity in
OST Toolkit
Explore ACT Now’s resource toolkit on expanding neurodiversity support in programs
Finding Funding for Afterschool Meals
Explore ACT Now’s toolkit on addressing hunger in afterschool
Webinar: Culturally Inclusive Meals
Watch No Hungry Kid’s recorded webinars on serving culturally inclusive meals at your program
HopSkipDrive
Try out this service that provides safe and reliable school transportation solution
Lyft Concierge
Send, schedule, and monitor Lyft rides for families
Care . com Afterschool
Find affordable afterschool transportation services and sitters
Recruitment Guide
Explore the Wallace Foundation’s out-of-school time recruitment guide for programs
Digital Engagement Tracker
Customize ACT Now’s tool for tracking family and community engagement efforts
Family Engagement Toolkit
Check out ACT Now’s toolkit for developing successful family and community engagement strategies
Dimensions of Success STEM Evaluation
Explore this observational tool for evaluating the quality of STEM programs
ILQPSA: Illinois Quality Program Self Assessment
Check out ACT Now’s self-assessment for program evaluation based on the Illinois Quality Program Standards
Determining Pay Ranges
Use Indeed’s tool to determine the appropriate pay ranges for your staff
Employee PD Survey
Check out ACT Now’s survey for employers to gauge their staff’s professional interests
Professional Development Planning Tool
Use ACT Now’s tool for planning quality professional development opportunities with employees
Advocacy Toolkit
Check out ACT Now’s resources for successful advocacy efforts
S.W.O.T. Template
Check out ACT Now’s template for identifying needs in a S.W.O.T. Analysis
Identify Members Matrix
Check out ACT Now’s template for identifying members for your advisory board
Inviting Members Worksheet
Check out ACT Now’s template for inviting members to your advisory board
Creating an Engaging Environment Tool
Check out ACT Now’s template for creating an engaging environment on your advisory board
Youth Voice on Advisory Boards
Check out the Afterschool Alliance’s resources for including youth voice on advisory boards
LEARNING: Research & Funding
Check out the first installment of our Starting an Afterschool Program webinar series: LEARNING.
During this webinar, you will learn about conducting needs assessment surveys, determining if you are license required, establishing your organization’s mission and objectives, identifying funding opportunities, and more!
Release date: May 30th, 2025
PLANNING: Year One Logistics
Check out the second installment of our Starting an Afterschool Program webinar series: PLANNING.
During this webinar, you will learn about different program designs, best administrative practices, strategies for recruitment or family engagement, different assessment options, and more!
Release date: May 30th, 2025
GROWING: Beyond Year One
Check out the third installment of our Starting an Afterschool Program webinar series: GROWING.
During this webinar, you will learn about professional development for afterschool providers, assembling an advisory council, developing a strategic plan, and more!
Release date: May 30th, 2025
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