School: After Hours

In this engaging episode of the School After Hours Podcast, I sit down with award-winning children's author Julia Cook to explore the significance of self-regulation and emotional management in children. Julia offers valuable insights into why understanding and managing emotions are crucial for children's success in society. Strategies discussed include creating safe environments for chi...

Join us while Amy Anderson, the co-founder of Reschool, a nonprofit focused on expanding equitable learning opportunities beyond traditional classrooms in Colorado, delves into Reschool's innovative collaborations with families and community organizations to design educational ecosystems that reflect local needs. The discussion highlights creating ecosystems of learning by resonating with com...

In this episode, I discuss the crucial role of documentation in youth programming to prevent burnout and chaos in subsequent years. We peel back the layers and shed light on how proper documentation can pave the way for seamless transitions and sustained success. I also talk about how to develop user-friendly SOPs and a comprehensive program playbook that serve as foundational resources for onboar...

Episode three of the Impact Report Debrief series focuses on leadership responsibilities post-staff debrief. It outlines a structured approach to interpreting feedback and forming actionable strategies for the upcoming program cycles. By utilizing the 3W's framework—What Worked, What Didn't Work, and What's Next—leaders can effectively streamline feedback into impactful planning. Ke...

In Week 2 of The Impast Report - Debrief Series , we’re diving into one of the most overlooked but most important parts of running a successful youth program: the staff debrief process. Because the truth is, strong programs are built by strong teams. In this episode, I break down how to lead intentional staff debrief conversations that go beyond surface-level feedback and actually help you improve...

In this engaging episode, I dive into a crucial yet often neglected aspect of out-of-school time programs—closure. This episode guides listeners through a comprehensive discussion on the importance of the program wrap-up. Stay with me as I highlight strategies on utilizing student reflections and testimonials, organizing showcase events, and collecting valuable attendance and survey data.  Key Tak...

We are back from a brief hiatus to share some updates on the business and our upcoming projects. This episode is a personal reflection on what has been a transformative year for me as I stepped into the role of a program provider. This experience not only allowed me to apply my podcasting skills but also to impact young lives through creative avenues like storytelling and media production. Key Tak...

Join us for an insightful discussion with Michael Garcia on the critical aspects of building a positive program culture for youth development. In this episode, Michael emphasizes the importance of creating safe, healthy, and happy environments for both staff and youth. Michael shares his strategies on mission and vision alignment, community and staff engagement, and the significance of intentional...

In this episode, we sit down with Eva Joe Meyers, a seasoned youth development expert and co-creator of the Spark Deck. They discuss the creation and impact of Spark Decks—sets of cards designed to help youth development professionals and educators manage transitions, foster engagement, and support professional growth. Eva shares insights from her years of experience, offering practical advice for...

In this episode of the School After Hours podcast, we dive into the critical topic of student attendance with attendance strategist Johnetta Moore. Discover how attendance impacts not only the school environment but also after-school programs, and learn strategies to tackle chronic absenteeism. Johnetta shares her insights on building systems that foster belonging and accountability, and the impor...

In this engaging episode of the School After Hours podcast, Jaylee welcomes Kerwyn Phillip to delve into the critical topic of financial literacy in out-of-school programs. As financial literacy gains traction in educational settings, Kerwyn shares practical advice on how schools and afterschool programs can integrate financial lessons into their routines, offering a holistic approach to money man...

 In this episode, we sit down with Gina Prosh, an esteemed author and educator, to explore the profound impact of cultivating positive emotions in children. Gina shares her inspirational journey from academia to writing, leading to the development of her acclaimed Holly's Choice book series. She also discusses the significance of nurturing a positive mindset, emphasizing how children can lear...

In this enlightening episode of the "School After Hours Podcast," Juan Alvarado joins us to delve into the critical elements of culture building in out-of-school time programs and creating safe environments for staff and students. Juan discusses the foundational aspects of establishing a productive culture while emphasizing the necessity of relationship-building, supportive structures, a...

In this engaging episode, Emily Fleming shares her journey from classroom teacher to entrepreneur in the field of yoga and mindfulness education. With a background in special education and significant experience in teaching yoga to children, Emily discusses how she identified a gap in the education system that led her to offer holistic wellness services to schools. This conversation explores how m...

In this insightful episode, I delve into effective strategies for wrapping up the 1st half of your youth program's semester while preparing for the new year ahead. With an emphasis on reflection, evaluation, and forward-thinking, I share practical tips for ensuring successful program outcomes. 🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast communit...

Join Dre'mon Miller, the founder of Street Smartz Over Safety, as he discusses the power of collaboration, accountability, and community engagement in youth development. Discover how his program supports not only young men but also girls, preparing them to be leaders in their communities. Miller delves into effective partnerships with families and organizations, emphasizing the importance of...

Join us as we do a LIVE recording at the VPOST (Virginia Partnership for Out-Of-School-Time) 15th annual conference. We wrapped up the conference with a vibrant discussion with guests Dr. Virginia Patterson, Executive Director of Mentor VA, and Sharon Burton, Director of Education at Peter Paul Development Center. We discussed the evolving landscape of youth development and after-school programs,...

In this episode of "School After Hours," host J. Lee delves into the art of planning holiday and special events as the school year unfolds into the busy fall season. This discussion is timely as educators and youth program planners enter a period packed with showcases, parties, and community events. Lee lays out a strategic roadmap to help organizers ensure successful and well-attended e...

In this captivating episode, we were joined by the insightful Teri Wilson, who shared valuable strategies for boosting student engagement through innovative programming and the use of cultural capital. The discussion centered around practical advice for site directors and educators looking to integrate youth voices in their planning process, ensuring that activities are both educational and enjoya...

In this insightful episode of our podcast, we explore the critical role of relationship-building in classroom behavior management with education expert Ms. LaTisha Ware. She emphasizes the need for establishing strong connections with students, setting the foundation in the first two weeks, and creating individual plans tailored to each child’s needs. Through observation, parent collaboration, and...

In this episode, school counselor Carol Miller shares her insights and expertise on how teachers can effectively manage behaviors and emotions in the classroom. She emphasizes the importance of building confidence in educators and understanding that behavior management is not a personal reflection of their abilities. Carol also discusses the different challenges faced at different grade levels and...

In this episode, Juan Alvarado discusses the importance of building relationships with staff, parents, and the community to influence the culture of afterschool programs. He emphasizes the power of listening, having courageous conversations, and leading by example. Juan shares practical strategies for supervisors to create a positive and impactful culture, including praising staff, having positive...

Discover how to effectively use social media to build brand awareness and market your after-school program in this episode. We've teamed up with Markia Baker and Navi Johnson from NM Legaci Marketing to bring you a playbook of strategies that blend your mission statement with the right online content. Throughout this episode, we'll discuss the importance of having a strong social media s...

In this episode, our guest Darye Henry discusses after-school programming from an entrepreneur's perspective. Darye shares his experience of watching his mom start an after-school program and how his involvement prepared him for his role as a CEO and Founder of After School HQ. We dive into the challenges of attracting and retaining students, maximizing effectiveness, and reporting impact to...

Master the art of planning a successful summer program in this episode of School After Hours. Join host J. Lee as she takes you through her tried and true strategies for preparing for summer program planning. Discover the importance of conducting feedback surveys with current students to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. Gain valuable insights into what aspects of the school y...