New Afterschool Bill in the Virginia General Assembly and more in your February 2022 News!

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Subject: New Afterschool Bill in the Virginia General Assembly and more in your February 2022 News!

More funding for Virginia afterschool could be coming, but we will need your support! The Virginia General Assembly is considering budget proposals and one of them would make a $4 million statewide investment in programs through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. The funding would be directed to create 15 additional community-based programs, provide support for professional development, resources for meeting licensure requirements, and best practices.

Please click the button below to be taken to the VPOST Action Alert. Here you will simply plug in your name and address which will automatically create a pre-written letter, that you can customize, and it will send straight to your local legislators!

Make Your Voice Heard

Black History Month reminds us of the importance of elevating the stories and achievements of Black Americans year-round. We must be intentional with telling these stories. One of the great strengths of out-of-school time programs is the freedom to go beyond what is taught in the traditional classroom. We can shed light on untold stories and contextualize history to our current day. In this way, we truly can impact our future history. The opportunity to elevate and celebrate Black voices and history is everywhere. Here are some resources we love:

The Virginia Black History Trail Map includes a map that pinpoints locations of African American history across our Commonwealth. Where ever you call home, Black history is in your backyard.
Zinn Education Project's "This Day in History Series" has multiple features of Black Virginians in history. Check out April 24, 1867: Richmond Streetcar Protest May 25, 1865: Black Virginians Cast Freedom Ballots and, June 5, 1865: Norfolk’s Black Community Presents Address for Equal Rights
Mizzen By Mott, the free afterschool app with lesson plans and resources made just for OST, has collaborated with The 1619 Project. This initiative of The New York Times Magazine examines the legacy of slavery in contemporary U.S. systems and society and celebrates Black Americans' contributions to democracy.
Do you use Scratch to teach computer sciences? They have a collection of projects around their 2022 theme “Black Health and Wellness”, which focuses on the legacy of Black scholars, medical practitioners, others focused on health and wellness throughout the African Diaspora.
15 Classroom Resources on Black History and Life has several resources for connecting Black history to current events and features on-demand webinars, as well as selected Black History and literature resources.

The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce the availability of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant funds to be awarded to school divisions and eligible organizations to support the implementation of community learning centers that will assist student learning and development. Funding for this program is provided through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended.

There are three upcoming informational webinars:

21st CCLC Request for Proposal (RFP) Webinar #1

Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Meeting ID: 864 5919 5531 Passcode: 371430

21st CCLC RFP Webinar #2 (This is a repeat.)

Wednesday, March 2, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Meeting ID: 869 1042 4221 Passcode: 598446

21st CCLC RFP Additional Webinar for Nonprofits

Thursday, March 3, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Meeting ID: 839 7138 5373 Passcode: 716919

Applications for 21st CCLC competitive grant funds must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022. The Application and Guidelines, Instructions, and Assurances documents are available upon request from 21stcclc@doe.virginia.gov. The completed application and attachments must be emailed to 21stcclc@doe.virginia.gov. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Marsha Granderson at Marsha.Granderson@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 786-1993.

Join us for the March Equity in OST STEM Meeting

Network and build community with like-minded people! Join us for our March meeting in a safe space to discuss the issues around achieving equitable STEM opportunities in the OST space. No previous attendance required, just a passion for creating more equitable opportunities in STEM learning!

Join Us

Applications Now Open for the Summer Food Service Program

The Summer Food Service Program operates at sites such as schools, public housing centers, community centers, playgrounds, camps, parks, and churches. Organizations that may qualify to participate in the program include public and private schools, local governments, public, and nonprofit private residential summer camps, and faith-based and community-based non-profit organizations.

The program — which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture — allows organizations to combine a feeding program with another activity in communities where at least 50 percent of the children are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.

Full details here.

New Virginia Department of Education Superintendent Appointed

Jillian Balow was named Superintendent of Public Instruction by Glenn Youngkin in January 2022. Balow comes to Virginia from Wyoming, where she was the Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction for seven years. Her background includes 10 years in the classroom and consulting in the private sector, and in the role of policy advisor to Wyoming Governor Matt Mead. More here.

Public Comment Period Now Open for Feedback on Childcare Licensure

Current Childcare Standards, General Procedures, and Information for Licensure (8VAC20-820) will be repealed and a comprehensive new chapter, 8VAC20-821, will be established. The purpose of this regulatory action is to implement statutory requirements, clarify existing regulatory requirements, and update practices and procedures. In addition, a review of the regulations will be conducted pursuant to regulatory reduction goals.

Public comment is now open through March 2, 2022, and can be submitted via Regulatory Town Hall at http://www.townhall.virginia.gov; or email to Tatanishia Armstrong, Legislative Consultant, Virginia Department of Education, 101 N. 14th St., Richmond, VA 23219, 804-382- 5047, tatanishia.armstrong@doe.virginia.gov.

Read the full notice here.

Virginia Alcohol Education and Prevention Grants

Now open, the Virginia ABC Alcohol Education and Prevention Grant offer up to $10,000 in funding to organizations working to prevent underage and high-risk drinking within their communities. Organizations eligible to apply include, but are not limited to, community coalitions, law enforcement, nonprofits, schools, colleges and universities, faith-based organizations, and prevention-related groups.

Grant applicants must address one or more of the following priorities:

underage drinking prevention
social providing/social hosting prevention
high-risk drinking prevention

Due March 1, 2022, Learn more here.

Attend NAA22 in Las Vegas to Bet on Afterschool!

NAA22 Convention is a time to come together with excited, committed (and vaccinated) afterschool professionals. While this year’s convention is intentionally different, you can count on inspirational speakers, community showcases, a dynamic learning expo, educational learning sessions, and quality networking and learning opportunities. It’s time to go all-in and register today! https://naaweb.org/naa22-convention

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Subject: New Afterschool Bill in the Virginia General Assembly and more in your February 2022 News!