Afterschool Programs: Partners for School and Community Reopening Plans
Tuesday, July 28th, 2020
The Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network(GSAN) is a public-private collaborative dedicated to advancing, connecting and supporting quality afterschool programs to promote the success of children and youth throughout Georgia.
GSAN encourages city officials to partner with their local afterschool programs as they and local school systems develop plans to engage students, either in person or virtually. It’s more important than ever for school time and out-of-school time to work together as true partners.
Afterschool and summer learning programs have long served the same children and families served in Georgia’s schools. Programs throughout the state have stepped up to help families during the pandemic, whether through providing care for children of essential workers, virtual programming, take home activities, meals and snacks, and regular check-ins with youth. These community programs can offer their experiences of serving youth during the pandemic as well as immediate resources – including facilities, staff and connections – to help address logistical and budget challenges schools are facing.