Announcement I November

As we celebrate National Gratitude Month, we want to take a moment to thank the dedicated afterschool and out-of-school time professionals who make a difference in the lives of young people every day. Your commitment, creativity, and care help create spaces where children and youth can learn, grow, and thrive. We are equally grateful for your engagement with WOSTA's professional development opportunities, resources, and events. Your participation strengthens our statewide community of practitioners and inspires us to continue providing meaningful learning experiences that support your important work. Thank you for all you do to enrich the lives of Wisconsin's youth and families. 🍂💙

Courses I November

This course provides foundational knowledge for individuals working with school-age youth in a variety of OST program settings. Participants explore the value of Out-of-School Time (OST) programs, key philosophies, and the goals of high-quality care. The course also covers relevant regulations and provider responsibilities.

Flexible, on-demand course designed to fit your schedule. Participants can register at any time throughout the school year.



Format: Self-paced, non-credit training

Length: 40 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training; Fulfills initial Wisconsin DCF Chapter 251 requirement for group leader (assistant); part of the school-age program leader (lead) Alternative Pathway.

Dates:

• Register and begin coursework immediately
• Course runs 7/1/2026 - 6/30/2027

In this course participants learn to design and implement intentionally designed programming tailored to Out-of-School Time (OST) programs. The course covers developmental principles, lesson planning, outcome setting, and the role of the environment in learning.

Format: Hybrid, non-credit training with virtual instructor-led, interactive sessions (7.5 hours) and self-paced independent work (7.5 hours)

Length: 15 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training; Part of the school-age program leader (lead) Alternative Pathway

YoungStar: Aligns with YoungStar Learning Environments and Curriculum Element

Dates:

• November 5, 9, 12, 16 & 19 from 10:30am - 12:00pm OR 6:30pm - 8:00pm

*Course registration closes October 28*

This course introduces trauma-informed practices and explores how trauma affects child behavior and development. Participants learn strategies to create safe, supportive environments that promote resilience in Out-of-School Time (OST) programs.

Flexible, on-demand course designed to fit your schedule. Participants can register at any time throughout the school year. Those who register by the 25th of each month will gain access to the course starting on the 1st of the following month.

Format: Self-paced, non-credit training with scheduled virtual check-in

Length: 15 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training

YoungStar: Supports YoungStar High-Quality Practice #6 Social Emotional and Inclusion of Children with Special Needs Training criteria

Dates:

• Register by November 25th and begin coursework December 1st 
• Course runs 7/1/2026 - 6/30/2027

This course explores the foundations of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) as it relates to the Positive Youth Development Framework and its benefits for both youth and adults. Participants will learn how to integrate SEL practices into Out-of-School Time (OST) programs and provides practical strategies for fostering emotional intelligence and inclusion.

Flexible, on-demand course designed to fit your schedule. Participants can register at any time throughout the school year. Those who register by the 25th of each month will gain access to the course starting on the 1st of the following month.

Format: Self-paced, non-credit training with scheduled virtual check-in, course runs 7/1/2026 - 6/30/2027

Length: 12 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training

YoungStar: Supports High-Quality Practice #6 Social Emotional and Inclusion of Children with Special Needs Training criteria

Dates:

• Register by November 25th and begin coursework December 1st 
• Course runs 7/1/2026 - 6/30/2027

This course guides school-age program staff in developing and evaluating meaningful child and group outcomes. Participants will learn how to create SMARTIE-aligned goals, design activities that support those goals, and assess progress through effective documentation. The course emphasizes intentional planning and outcome-based programming to enhance child development in Out-of-School Time (OST) programs.

Flexible, on-demand course designed to fit your schedule. Participants can register at any time throughout the school year. Those who register by the 25th of each month will gain access to the course starting on the 1st of the following month.

Format: Self-paced, non-credit training with Scheduled Virtual Check-In

Length: 12 hours

Registry: Tier 3 approved training

YoungStar: Supports High-Quality Practice #6 Social Emotional and Inclusion of Children with Special Needs Training criteria

Dates:

• Register by November 25th and begin coursework December 1st
• Course runs 7/1/2026 - 6/30/2027 

Calls I November

Join our Community of Practice calls, designed for programs and practitioners dedicated to supporting our youngest school-age learners. These calls offer a collaborative space to share valuable insights, discuss best practices, and ask questions in a supportive environment. It's a great opportunity to connect with peers and enhance the high-quality care you provide.

Date:

• November 4 from 10:00 - 11:00am

Monthly facilitator professional development for those participaintg in the Life Tools program. No need to register, links to join the call will be sent to you.

Date:

• November 17 from 7:15- 8:00am

Updates I November

NEW Teen Mental Health Resource Hub

This online resource is designed to support the mental well-being of teens. The hub provides trusted tools, activities, videos, and guidance on a variety of topics. The hub also contains resources for parents and youth program providers.

Upcoming PD I December

Guiding Children's Behavior in School-Age Programs

This course focuses on understanding personal behavior guidance styles and how they influence our interactions with children. It emphasizes relationship-building and introduces practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors and supporting youth in the development of self-regulation skills.

Live, virtual session dates: December 3, 7, 10, 14 & 17.

*Registration closes November 25.

Life Tools Monthly PD

These professional development calls are intended for programs currently implementing Life Tools. Registration information will be shared directly. 

December 15.

Proudly enriching the health of our communities through a partnership between Marshfield Clinic Region of Sanford Health and the Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance, with generous support from the Charles Mott Foundation, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Wisconsin Department of Administration, Thriving Wisconsin and Shine Early Learning.