Friday CAFÉ
Background
The idea for Friday CAFÉ came from people working in the field of family engagement in Connecticut schools and communities. Though they go by many different titles – parent liaison, partnership coordinator, home-school facilitator, or family resource specialist – they have one thing in common. There is no professional organization in the state or network for peer-to-peer learning and resource sharing.
The CT State Department of Education (CSDE) held focus groups with school and district staff responsible for family and community engagement to learn about their work and the challenges they face. The consensus was clear – working in this field can be isolating and staff want a way to network and learn from others in the field.
Gathering Format
Friday CAFÉ takes place one Friday morning a month, in interesting gathering spots across each participating state, such as museums, art centers and music theaters. During the discussion and gathering, there is time for networking and conversation, a brief (20-30 minute) presentation and spirited discussion. Topics have included “Trust,” “The Open-Door School” and “The Student Voice in Partnerships.”
Membership is broad, not just people who work directly with families, but also educators and administrators who supervise them and want deeper understanding of the benefits of greater family and community engagement.
It includes:
- District Staff
- Principals
- Higher Education & State Education Agency Staff
- Staff from Community Organizations, Social Services, and informal learning sites like museums and libraries
21st CCLC Anti-Racism Policy and Practice Sessions
Dates:
- December 20th, 2022 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- January 24th, 2023 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- March 21st, 2023 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- May 15th, 2023 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
All workshops will be facilitated by Dr. Shannon Holder and Dr. Olivia Hussey from the CREC Resource Group. These offerings are designed to be a series and participants are encouraged to attend all sessions.
Anyone who was not a part of the Anti-Racism Series during the 2021-22 school year must attend the December 20th Training Overview prior to attending the remaining workshop sessions. Please note the required materials that participants must bring to working sessions.
September 2022
Back to School Directors Meeting
Wednesday, September 14 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Audience: Grant Directors & Leadership
Location: CREC Central Office (111 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106)
Part I: Federal and state updates and reminders for a successful launch of school year programming. Overview of upcoming training and professional development offerings.
Part II: An introduction to the 21st CCLC Anti-Racism Series, a year-long focus on how intentional anti-racism and cultural responsiveness can impact our after-school communities.
TransACT AS21 Database Training
Friday, September 23 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Audience: All TransACT AS21 users
The TransACT AS21 training was facilitated by TransACT representatives, and provides a comprehensive review of the AS21 software, including an overview of the impacts of tracking hours of attendance.
October 2022
Friday CAFÉ
Friday, October 7th | 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Format: In-person
Location: Thomas Hooker Live (1 Sequassen Street, Hartford, CT 06106)
Friday CAFÉ is a morning discussion and networking series for people who work at the intersection of families and learning
Arrive at 9:00 for coffee, the program runs 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Advisory Committee Meeting #1
Tuesday, October 25th | 10-11 a.m.
Format: Virtual
Audience: Committee Members
Committee members will help inform policy and best practices related to 21st CCLC programming.
Networking Meeting #1 - CANCELED
November 2022
Friday CAFÉ
Friday, November 4th | 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Format: In-person (8:30 a.m. arrival)
Location: TBD
Registration Information Coming Soon
Assessment of Program Practices Tool (APT) Training
Tuesday, November 15th | 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Format: In-person
Location: 55 Van Dyke Ave, Hartford, CT 06106 | Conference Room 310
Audience: Any interested staff, required for new leadership staff
The APT is a research-based and field-tested observation and assessment tool used to measure program quality and identify areas of success and improvement. The tool is used to collect data on practices linked to key youth outcomes, including, learning and skill building, program organization and structure and supportive social environment. All 21st CCLC grantees in Connecticut are required to use this tool at least once per year as part of a continuous improvement process.
Space is limited, so please register in advance to secure your spot. Day of registrations will not be allowed.
Please contact Kim Brewer at kbrewer@crec.org with any questions pertaining to the APT Training.
Middle & High School Community Circle #1
Thursday, November 10th | 10 a.m.-12 p.m
Format: Virtual
Audience: Middle and High School program staff
Middle and High School grantees will help identify the needs of students and families while networking with peers to share best practices and resources.
December 2022
Advisory Committee Meeting #2
Tuesday, December 6th | 10 -11 a.m.
Format: Virtual
Audience: Committee Members
Committee members will help inform policy and best practices related to 21st CCLC programming.
Friday CAFÉ
Friday, December 9th | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Format: In-person (9:00 - 9:30 Coffee and Registration)
Location: Playmaker Space at Family and Children's Aid | 80 West Street, Danbury, CT 06810
Parking: 80 West Street (next to building) and 87 West Street (opposite building)
The latest research shows that engaging families has powerful benefits beyond boosting student success. BUT (there is always a but) the engagement strategies need to be high-impact, transformative, and equity-driven to make a real difference. Join us to discuss what these terms mean and what they look like in practice.
Conversation Catalyst: Anne T. Henderson, Senior Consultant, National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement
Assessment of Program Practices Tool (APT) Training
Friday, December 9th | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Format: In-person
Location: 55 Van Dyke Ave, Hartford, CT 06106 | Conference Room 310
Audience: Any interested staff, required for new leadership staff
The APT is a research-based and field-tested observation and assessment tool used to measure program quality and identify areas of success and improvement. The tool is used to collect data on practices linked to key youth outcomes, including, learning and skill building, program organization and structure and supportive social environment. All 21st CCLC grantees in Connecticut are required to use this tool at least once per year as part of a continuous improvement process.
Space is limited, so please register in advance to secure your spot. Day of registrations will not be allowed.
Please contact Kim Brewer at kbrewer@crec.org with any questions pertaining to the APT Training.
Anti-Racism Training Overview Session
Tuesday, December 20th | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Format: In-person
Location: CREC Central Office (111 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106)
Participants will review and understand equitable and anti-racist definitions, practices, and policies.
Anyone who was not a part of the Anti-Racism Series during the 2021-22 school year must attend the December 20th Training Overview prior to attending the remaining workshop sessions. Please note the required materials that participants must bring to working sessions.
January 2023
Middle & High School Community Circle #2
Wednesday, January 11th | 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Audience: Middle and High School program staff
Middle and high school grantees will help identify the needs of students and families while networking with peers to share best practices and resources
Friday CAFÉ
Friday, January 13th | 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Format: Virtual
Registration Information Coming Soon
Anti-Racist Student and Family Engagement
Tuesday, January 24th | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Format: Virtual
Participants will learn how to engage students and families in equitable and anti-racist ways. Participants will collaborate and share their current plans for student and family engagement.
Required Materials: Written policies and practices regarding Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Student Engagement, and Family Engagement.
Anyone who was not a part of the Anti-Racism Series during the 2021-22 school year must attend the December 20th Training Overview prior to attending the remaining workshop sessions. Please note the required materials that participants must bring to working sessions.
February 2023
Advisory Committee Meeting #3
Tuesday, February 7th | 10-11 a.m.
Format: Virtual
Audience: Committee Members
Committee members will help inform policy and best practices related to 21st CCLC programming.
Friday CAFÉ
Friday, February 10th | 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Format: Virtual
Registration Information Coming Soon
March 2023
March Networking Meeting
Friday, March 24th | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Chrysalis Center (255 Homestead Ave, Hartford CT 06112)
Audience: Grant Directors & Leadership
Anti-Racist Staff Engagement
Tuesday, March 21st | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Format: Virtual
Participants will better understand how to train their staff to understand current equitable and anti-racist practices and policies
Required Materials: Written policies and practices regarding Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Hiring, and Staff Engagement.
Anyone who was not a part of the Anti-Racism Series during the 2021-22 school year must attend the December 20th Training Overview prior to attending the remaining workshop sessions. Please note the required materials that participants must bring to working sessions.
Friday CAFÉ
Friday, March 24th | 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Format: Virtual
Registration Information Coming Soon
Middle & High School Community Circle #3
Wednesday, March 29th | 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Format: Virtual
Audience: Middle and High School program staff
Middle and high school grantees will help identify the needs of students and families while networking with peers to share best practices and resources.
April 2023
Advisory Committee Meeting #4
Thursday, April 20th | 10 - 11 a.m.
Format: Virtual
Audience: Committee Members
Committee members will help inform policy and best practices related to 21st CCLC programming.
Friday CAFÉ
Friday, April 28th | 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Format: In-person (9 a.m. arrival)
Location: TBD
Registration Information Coming Soon
May 2023
Anti-Racist Policies & Practices Feedback Session
Monday, May 15th | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Format: In-person
Location: TBD
Participants will present their updates to the their policies, procedures, and practices of their programs. They will receive feedback on their updates and collaborate with fellow participants.
Required Materials: Written policies and practices that were updated as part of work in the previous sessions.
Anyone who was not a part of the Anti-Racism Series during the 2021-22 school year must attend the December 20th Training Overview prior to attending the remaining workshop sessions. Please note the required materials that participants must bring to working sessions.
Friday CAFÉ
Friday, May 19th | 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Format: In-person (9 a.m. arrival)
Registration Information Coming Soon
Networking Meeting #3
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Audience: Grant Directors & Leadership
July 2023
Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Summer Symposium
Celebrating 21st CCLC Resilience: Yesterday, Today, and Beyond
New Orleans, LA | July 19-20th, 2023
For more information, please visit the 2023 Summer Symposium website
Credits:
Created with images by lourdesnique - "study learning school" • Bru-nO - "colored pencils pencils crayons" • yohoprashant - "girl colors holi" • 422737 - "pay game playground" • souadnaji - "classroom child student" • congerdesign - "web playground game device" • cherylt23 - "students computer young boy" • laterjay - "swing playground children playing" • salinger - "classroom school china" • hmerellop - "students class art"