Resources for Afterschool & OST Programs
School and Community Engagement
Resources to help you foster engagement with local schools and communities.
Featured Resources
Sample Program Email to Schools - Encouraging Collaboration Between In-School and Out-of-School
Sample email that encourages collaboration between schools and afterschool programs.
View NowTools for Programs to Engage in Conversations About School & OST Collaboration
Tools from the Afterschool Alliance to help ensure program and school collaboration.
View NowResources Regarding Governor Holcomb's Executive Order 20-40
Indiana Executive Order 20-40 - Child Care Matters and COVID-19
Governor Holcomb’s order, which concerns regulations for childcare programs & schools.
Read NowHow OST Can Partner with Schools to Provide Support During COVID
IAN’s statewide forum on Executive Order 20-40, and how afterschool programs can partner with local schools.
Watch NowProgram Options for Providing Care for School Age Students and Digital Learning
Supporting guidance for Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-40.
Read NowSchool Corporation and Entity Agreement Guidance
Additional guidance relevant to Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-40.
Read NowOffice of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning - MOU Template
Template to assist with development of MOU between a school corporation and provider.
Read NowExecutive Order Implications Chart
This tool shows the paths to legally provide care and support to children who are engaged in digital learning.
View ChartSample Program Email to Schools - Requesting a Formal Partnership
Sample email request for creating a formal School Corporation and Community Partnership (MOU).
View NowIDOE Latch Key Overview
More information on the Latch Key Law and COVID Latch Key Guidance and Waiver Information.
Learn MoreAdditional School and Community Engagement Resources
Building Community Learning Hubs
Provides key considerations in creating community learning hubs, as well as info on robust supports needed for student recovery post-pandemic.
Read MoreExpanding Learning and Supports for All Students
Learn how OST programs are uniquely positioned to help students catch up and accelerate their learning with the academic, social, and emotional supports needed for a robust recovery.
Read MoreAfterschool is Essential for COVID-19 Recovery
Information on how investment in afterschool and summer learning programs is essential to our state's recovery from COVID-19.
Read NowCDC Suggestions for Programs and Camps
Planning tools to share ways to protect campers, staff, and communities, and slow the spread of COVID-19.
Read MoreCRSSA: New Opportunities for Afterschool
This document provides guidance to help connect OST work to the newest COVID-19 response legislation and to maximize new and existing funding opportunities.
Read MoreExpanded Learning Programs: Principles for Reopening & Recovery
Information on key principles which are essential for successful expanded learning.
Learn MoreFamily and Community Engagement Toolkit
This toolkit from the Indiana Department of Education contains several resources for bolstering family and community engagement.
Read MoreField Guide for Camps from the American Camp Association and YMCA
A practical guide for camp directors and staff on implementing CDC COVID safety recommendations. Updated January 2021.
Read MoreHow Afterschool Supports Indiana Students
Info on OST's response to meeting the needs of youth and the benefits of partnership with programs.
Read MoreIAN on Indiana Association of School Principal’s Podcast
Podcast episode featuring IAN team members sharing ways that we can all support Indiana students and families together.
Listen NowIAN's Indiana Academy on Out-of-School Learning
IAN's online professional development system specifically designed for afterschool professionals. All courses are aligned with the IN Afterschool Standards, CYC credentials, and CCDF requirements.
Learn MoreIAN's My Afterschool Locker
IAN’s one-stop-shop of online resources that strengthen program quality, including lesson plans, engagement ideas, and connections to Indiana organizations and individuals in the field of out-of-school time.
Read MoreIndiana Afterschool Standards and Specialty Standards
These standards outline the path that lead to high-quality youth programs which take place outside the school day. These standards are based on national research and best practices in the youth development and education fields.
Read MoreIndiana Quality Program Self-Assessment
A free, online strengths-based self-assessment tool that enables youth programs to rate their performance based on the Indiana Afterschool Standards and Specialty Standards.
Read MoreIndiana Summit on Out-of-School Learning
Join youth programs, schools, and community partners to access resources and transform learning beyond the school day. Hosted by the Indiana Afterschool Network and Indiana Department of Education.
Learn MoreMaking the Case to Local Education Leaders
Use this tool to help you speak to education leaders and administrators about using COVID-19 recovery dollars to support students with OST programs.
Read NowNational Summer Learning Association (NSLA) - Training and Support
NSLA staff and expert Field Consultants are available to help partners plan, train staff, prepare and measure effectiveness for the coming summer. This includes program planning, program management, systems building, and positive youth development.
Read MoreSample Program Email to Families - Encourage Your Principal to Collaborate with Afterschool
Sample email encourages families to collaborate with local afterschool programs.
Read NowWhat to Look for in a High-Quality Afterschool Program
Quality programs understand that youth in different age groups have different needs. Learn what to look for to make sure you pick the right program for your kids
Read MoreAfterschool Alliance American Rescue Plan Resource Hub
Learn more about the American Rescue Plan, which provides $500 billion that can be used specifically for afterschool and summer programs. Includes tools to help programs reach out to local education leaders.
Read More