VGCC students who completed the training included, from left, Andrea Hayes, Brandy Pendergrass, Adrienne Adcock, Brandie McLean and Shannon Manning. (VGCC photo)
Several Vance-Granville Community College students recently completed special training for afterschool program administrators and staff members. VGCC School-Age Education program head Jacquelin Heath incorporated the “Upping Your After School Game” course content into a curriculum course, School-Age Program Administration (EDU 263), this summer. Heath’s program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree and a diploma in School-Age Education, as well as a School-Age Care certificate.
“Providing the North Carolina Afterschool Professional Development Competency Training allowed our curriculum students to receive the latest, most up-to-date information to make them better prepared as professionals once they graduate,” said Heath. The students were then eligible to receive a continuing education certificate in addition to their regular coursework. The certificate acknowledged their completion of the “School-Age Professional Core Competencies Training” developed by the N.C. Center for Afterschool Programs and the N.C. Afterschool Professional Development Work Group. Students who completed the training included Brandie McLean, Andrea Hayes, Brandy Pendergrass, all of Henderson; Shannon Manning of Norlina; and Adrienne Adcock of Oxford. All five remarked that they could envision themselves leading an afterschool program themselves in the future.
The training aims to help both new and experienced afterschool administrators and staff members to apply certain core competencies to strengthen their organizations. Subjects covered during the course include hiring and training staff to work with children. Students learned about the importance of professional development for all staff, including both volunteers and certified workers, who need to gain more advanced education in order to grow. Other topics of discussion were the characteristics of effective leaders; starting and funding afterschool programs; extending education beyond the time that children are in the program; and communication with parents and community partners. Heath also covered the role of afterschool programs in making effective use of school buildings. “Normally we only use our schools for certain days of the year, so how can we use those facilities for other purposes at night and during the weeks that school is out?” Heath asked, noting that both children and older adults could benefit.
Professionals who are already working in the field can take this professional development course on Saturday, October 11, or Saturday, November 8. For more information, contact Jacquelin Heath at (252) 738-3298.