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Nominate Now for Afterschool Awards of Excellence

August 24, 2009 by Lisa Rice

Monday, September 14 is the deadline to nominate your favorite afterschool professionals, programs and leaders

The 8th annual Spotlight on Afterschool Awards of Excellence is your opportunity to recognize and celebrate the quality programs and afterschool professionals that use creativity, innovation, structure, and discipline daily to instill a love of learning in the children they serve.

You know who is having a lasting impact on our children’s lives.  While they do it for their love of children, the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence wants to see them receive the recognition they so rightfully deserve and spotlight the best in afterschool programming.

Don’t delay! Nominate an outstanding afterschool professional, outstanding afterschool program or outstanding afterschool leader.  Then plan to join the celebration on Wednesday, October 14 at the Tempe Center for the Arts for the celebration and presentation of the awards.

Eddie and Nadine Basha will be recognized for their lifetimes of advocacy for Arizona’s children and quality education programs at all levels.

For further information, call Kim Morgan at 602.279.7102.

2008 winners are featured on the AzCASE website.

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Community Action Grants

August 24, 2009 by Lisa Rice

Name: AAUW One-Year Grants

Sponsor: American Association of University Women

Deadline: 01/15/2010

Amount: varies

Type: Education, Social & Economic

Description: One-Year Grants provide seed money for new projects. Topic areas are unrestricted, but should include a clearly defined activity that promotes education and equity for women and girls. The proposed activity must take place within the United States or its territories. The proposed activity must have direct community or public impact.

As Community Action Grants, One-Year Grants provide funds for innovative programs or non-degree research projects that promote education and equity for women and girls. Specifically, the grants provide funds that address issues related to the needs of women and girls or that provide information to educate and benefit the public on those issues. AAUW encourages proposals for projects that (1) use innovative approaches to address local community needs or build linkages among community partners and (2) build partnerships between schools and community organizations. Special consideration is given to (1) projects focused on K-14 (including two-year colleges) girls’ achievement in math, science, and/or technology; and (2) projects that seek community partners. Community partners might include local schools or school districts, businesses, and other community-based organizations.

The grants will not fund the development of written work for academic credit or research that will be used for a degree thesis or dissertation.

Website: Link to RFP

Posted in Funding Opportunities | Leave a Comment »

Need for day care ebbs, flows with parents’ jobs

August 16, 2009 by Lisa Rice

Need for day care ebbs, flows with parents’ jobs

Shared via AddThis

An article in the Sunday, August 16 Arizona Republic about the impact of the economy on afterschool programs in the Phoenix area.

Posted in General | Leave a Comment »

AZ DHS Child Care Complaint Process Change

August 12, 2009 by Lisa Rice

Change in Child Care Complaint Process Is Coming

Beginning July 1, complaints about possible infractions of licensing rules and statutes will be required to be made in writing, via either hand delivery, mail, e-mail, or fax. The purpose of this change is to reduce frivolous complaints which can be very time-consuming for surveyors to investigate. The Division of Licensing Services policy requires investigation of every complaint.
A complaint form is provided on the OCCL website to help individuals provide sufficient information required for surveyors to do an adequate investigation, but complaints in any written format will be accepted.

Posted in Advocacy, General | Leave a Comment »

Summer Workshops – Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits August 18 (Tucson)

August 12, 2009 by Lisa Rice

The Logic Behind the Logic Model: Essential Tools for a Rock-Solid Evaluation Plan
Inputs… Outputs… Outcomes… Goals… Logic Models: Everywhere you turn, grantseekers are talking about them. And more and more funders – private and public alike – are requiring them as part of your grant application package.

But what is a “Logic Model,” anyway? How does it work? What are the key elements, how do they fit together, and – most important – how can knowing how to construct a solid, makes-sense Logic Model support not only more successful grantseeking, but the success of your program itself?

In this workshop, the Alliance will strip back the myths and mysteries surrounding the Logic Model Process and give you the tools and concepts you need to put the Logic Model to work for you. You’ll discover:

  • A new, powerful way of looking at the underlying framework of your program or project plan
  • A no-jargon, easy-to-remember, real-life “roadmap” to the key elements of a Logic Model and how they fit together
  • How to use the Logic Model process to create knock-their-socks-off outcome statements and evaluation plans that funders will love
  • The Logic Model as a key tool for more successful, high-quality program management
  • The Logic Model in action: Samples from a variety of community organizations

Tucson
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 18, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, 2250 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 95719
Cost: $55, $46.75 Alliance Members and AZ Guide to Grants Online Subscribers
Learn more: http://www.arizonanonprofits.org/events/eventdetails.aspx ? id=196
To register: https://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Register/IdentityConfirmation.aspx ? e=3aaacb5c-3f53-44d9-80fc-f1b1bd9e0460

Building Blocks for a Winning Proposal Budget
Worthy grant proposals often don’t make it to the final cut because the proposal budget is poorly put together. However, crafting a budget that clearly and accurately reflects all the resources your program needs is not a complex or mysterious process!

In this workshop you’ll learn the principles of mission-driven budgeting, and practice applying those principles to a real-life scenario as you build a detailed proposal budget, step by step. You’ll learn how grantmakers evaluate budgets – and what your budget says about your organization. And you’ll work with simple but powerful tools to help you organize your financial information in the clearest, most powerful way.

Join the Alliance at this workshop and you will:

  • Understand the importance of a sound, detailed, mission-driven budget as both a key proposal component and a planning and management tool
  • Learn how the concept of “total-value budgeting” supports your project planning and management – and simplifies the process of building a proposal budget
  • Learn what you need to know about “in-kind,” match, valuing volunteer time, indirect or administrative costs, and much more.
  • Learn the easy-to-follow, step-by-step process guaranteed to result in an unbeatable proposal budget
  • Work with – and take home – planning tools that will guide you through the process start to finish – guaranteed!

Tucson
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 18, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, 2250 E. Broadway, Tucson, 85719
Cost: $55, $46.75 Alliance Members and AZ Guide to Grants Online Subscribers
Learn more: http://www.arizonanonprofits.org/events/eventdetails.aspx ? id=195
To register: https://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Register/IdentityConfirmation.aspx ? e=c507bc55-a1b1-4d97-ba83-b160860606ca

Posted in Events, Professional Development and Training, Resources | Leave a Comment »

The Ultimate Homework Station

August 12, 2009 by Lisa Rice

In case you haven’t noticed, I love Family Fun Magazine Online. They have awesome (and fun to make) recipes and projects.

Just in time for back to school, their latest is an ingenious idea for creating private homework space and the kids can make them for the afterschool program AND make one for home too!

The Clever, Inspiring Solution: turn display boards (available at office supply stores) into study carrels that can be set up in a flash, with all the necessary supplies close at hand. Easily stowed in a corner or a closet, these customizable stations keep kids focused on learning by providing a fun home base for tackling their assignments. And a single display board makes two carrels, so each sibling can have his own.

home-made study carrel

home-made study carrel

Create the station:
You will need:

  • Tri-fold display board (48 by 36 inches; makes two stations)
  • Yardstick and pencil
  • Craft knife
  • Con-Tact paper or paint (optional)

    • 1. Cut the board in half horizontally. Set one half aside if you plan to make just one carrel. Lay the other half facedown. To make the carrel easy to fold even when stocked with hanging supplies, pencil a vertical line parallel to each existing fold, 2 inches closer to the center. Using the yardstick as a guide, score the lines, cutting through only the top layer of the cardboard.2. Fold along the scored lines. Cover the carrel’s back with Con-Tact paper or paint, if desired.</

  • Add the supplies:
    Use glue dots to affix clothespins to one side for holding important papers and notes.

    Adhere magnets with hot glue to scissors, the back of a stapler, and other frequently used supplies. Line them up along a ruler/magnet strip, with more magnets and a magnetic clip.

    Use adhesive-backed Velcro dots to attach supplies that need to be easily removed: the ruler/magnet strip, a clock, a calculator, a sticky-note dispenser, and a pencil box.

    Hang a zip-close binder pouch from an adhesive hook to hold small supplies.

    Affix a small cork square for displaying photos or notes, using hot glue or the adhesive supplied with the square.

    homework station folded

    homework station folded

    • Posted in Activities, Resources | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

    New Training Opportunities for Tucson School-Age Staff!

    August 10, 2009 by Lisa Rice

    Three New Trainings from the Afterschool 101 Curriculum Designed Just for School-Age Staff Working With Children in Out-of-School Time

    Once each month, Sept. through November, afterschool staff can receive two hours of staff development on topics custom made for school-age programs!  Register for one, or all three! Each workshop is only $12 and participants will receive a Certificate of Participation for two hours of School-Age Training.

    School-Age Professionalism and Quality Standards
    Learn what it means to be professional in the world of afterschool and become familiar with National Afterschool Association quality standards.
    Date: Sept 15, 2009     Time: 6:45 pm              Length: 2 hours Cost: $12
    Location: Child & Family Resources, 2800 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716

    School-Age Conflict Resolution and Group Management
    This workshop is designed to help staff in school-age programs learn the basics of effective group management; from taking control of the group to natural/logical consequences and skills and methods for use in conflict resolution.
    Date: Oct. 20, 2009     Time: 6:45 pm              Length: 2 hours Cost: $12
    Location: Child & Family Resources, 2800 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716

    Building Relationships with Parents and Families in School-Age Programs
    Learn strategies and methods to create positive relationships with parents and families; the foundation for strong, ongoing partnerships between families and school-age programs.
    Date: Nov. 17, 2009      Time: 6:45 pm              Length: 2 hours Cost: $12
    Location: Child & Family Resources, 2800 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716

    In collaboration with Child Care Resource & Referral and the Sonoran Alliance for Youth, Lisa Rice of Innovative Learning Solutions will provide the following professional development opportunities for school-age/afterschool staff in Tucson. All trainings will take place at Child & Family Resources, Inc., 2800 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716. Each workshop is $12 per person.

    To register complete this Registration Form or contact Lisa Rice at 520-982-4032, lrice@innovativelearningaz.com

    Posted in Professional Development and Training | Tagged , , |

    UnitedHealth HEROES Grants

    August 10, 2009 by Lisa Rice

    Youth Service America (YSA) and UnitedHealth Group are excited to team up for the second year to offer UnitedHealth HEROES grants to youth-led service-learning projects addressing childhood obesity.

     Educators, service-learning coordinators, students in the health professions, public health professionals, and community partners are eligible to apply for the UnitedHealth HEROES service-learning project grants.

     Grant recipients will receive up to $1,000 in support for service-learning projects that focus on childhood obesity, engage youth ages 5-25 in the planning and implementation process, and take place during Semester of Service 2010 (MLK Day, January 18, to Global Youth Service Day, April 23-25).

     States eligible for this year’s UnitedHealth HEROES program include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.

     Please begin by completing our Eligibility Quiz at http://tinyurl.com/heroesquiz  If you are eligible, you will be given access the application materials.

     In addition to the grants, YSA and UnitedHealth Group published “First Responders: Youth Addressing Childhood Obesity Through Service-Learning,” a project planning module that provides the necessary information for school and community educators to develop effective projects. With data, project examples, and links to additional resources, educators have the tools to connect childhood obesity to a variety of learning areas. Download the module at: http://tools.ysa.org/downloads/modules/YSAPediatricObesityModule.pdf

     Best,

    Michael Minks
    Director of Outreach
    Youth Service     America
    1101 15th Street, NW, Suite 200 | Washington, DC 20005
    P: 202-296-2992 ext. 125 | F: 202-296-4030
    mminks@ysa.org
    www.YSA.org | www.GYSD.org

    Posted in Funding Opportunities | Leave a Comment »

    SEDL Leadership Development Series for Afterschool Program Directors

    July 29, 2009 by Lisa Rice

    Our dynamic and unique Leadership Development Series for afterschool program directors increases the power and potential of your programs. This series is offered by SEDL, with expert faculty support from Learning Point Associates professional developers, both recognized leaders in afterschool.

    The Leadership Development Series offers participants a full-year experience to understand and use the tools of successful, high-quality, expanded learning programs through a combination of two in-person training sessions, one webinar, ongoing personalized technical assistance from our experts, and support from a network of expanded learning program leaders.

    By participating in this series, participants will accomplish the following:

    –Gain access to dozens of strategies to ensure high-quality program organization, service delivery, and improved student academic and behavioral outcomes.

    –Develop clear procedures to collect and use data to make strong program choices, promote schoolwide support, and help sustain their programs.

    –Engage with a network of colleagues and experts to provide ongoing advice and ideas.

    For more program information and to register for the series, go to:
    www.sedl.org/register/event134.html

    Posted in Professional Development and Training | Leave a Comment »

    ASU Lodestar Center’s Nonprofit Management Institute

    July 29, 2009 by Lisa Rice

    The NMI Scholarship Application is now available. Please click here for the electronic application. Or call Caitlin Gizler at 602-496-2023 with any questions. Deadline for submission is August 14th.

    “NMI” is the easy way to say Nonprofit Management Institute. It is the professional development entity of Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation. The programs offered through NMI fill a unique educational niche for professionals who are currently working within or want to be involved in the nonprofit sector. Programs are open to individuals of all educational backgrounds and levels of experience. The majority of the students have already earned associates, bachelors, masters or professional degrees, but degree completion is not a prerequisite. Mostly, our students share a common interest in seeking high-quality, applicable management knowledge and tools in an adult-learning environment.

    Would you like a quick and easy way to learn more about NMI? Would you like to see whether Internet-based learning is right for you? Now you can find out by viewing two new NMI Information Sessions from the convenience of your own computer!

    Information Session 1 (11 minutes) explains who takes an NMI course and for what reasons. Learn about the benefits of participating in the Nonprofit Management Institute, who teaches for NMI, and how to earn a professional certificate in nonprofit leadership and management.

    Information Session 2 (7 minutes) provides more details about online versions of NMI courses. Peek inside an actual online NMI course and learn what kind of assignments to expect and how to best participate.

    NMI is Year-Round and Online! The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation is delivering the essential knowledge and tools of the NMI Certificate Program to students who do not have an opportunity to join face-to-face classroom sessions.

    We now offer online versions of five of our courses (NMI 102, NMI 106, NMI 107, NMI 108 & NMI 112).

    NMI offers everything you need to know to become a highly skilled professional.

    • Learn the latest and most up-to-date trends affecting nonprofits today.
    • Manage your volunteers, staff members and boards more effectively.
    • Stretch your limited nonprofit dollars.
    • Succeed in a competitive fund-raising environment.
    • Make the media work for you.

    All individuals seeking professional development are welcome.

    • Board members
    • Staff
    • Management
    • Volunteers
    • Professional association employees
    • Private sector professionals seeking a career change.

    For more information, e-mail us or call (602) 496-0500.

    Posted in Professional Development and Training | Leave a Comment »

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