Clayton Youth Enrichment is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 21-25, 2025, along with the National AfterSchool Association, to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.
Why is it important to recognize Afterschool Professionals?
An estimated 7.8 million children participate in afterschool programs each year; for every child in an afterschool program, two more are waiting to get in. Every young person deserves quality afterschool experiences that positively impact their development. It takes skilled professionals to create these experiences. Because of the important role afterschool professionals play in kids’ lives, they deserve recognition and support!
What is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week?
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations, public relations, and advocacy efforts encouraging appreciation and support for afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of young people.
Who is an Afterschool Professional?
Afterschool Professionals are skilled individuals who work with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings to provide various positive developmental relationships and experiences during out-of-school hours. Currently, in the US, an estimated 850,000 individuals are practicing members of the afterschool profession.
Here are some ideas to show your appreciation:
Declare on social media: “Research shows that Afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. #heartofafterschool”
Give a hand-written card from you and/or your child to the afterschool professionals you know.
Send an email to an afterschool professional’s supervisor describing why that person is appreciated.
Make healthy or non-food treats for the staff at your afterschool program.
For more information about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week visit: https://naaweb.org/page/AfterschoolProfessionalsAppreciationWeek